Hyaluronic acid selective anchoring to the cytoskeleton: An atomic force microscopy study

Area of Science:

• Cell biology
• Biophysics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• The cell glycocalyx, particularly hyaluronic acid (HA), is crucial for mechanotransduction.
• Understanding the mechanical linkage between HA and cellular structures is vital for cell signaling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mechanical connection between hyaluronic acid molecules and the cell cytoskeleton.
• To differentiate between cytoskeleton-anchored and membrane-anchored HA using biophysical methods.

Main Methods:

• Atomic force microscopy (AFM) single-molecule force spectroscopy was employed.
• Probes coated with hyaluronic acid binding protein were used to interact with HA on live cells.

Main Results:

• Two distinct detachment events indicated cytoskeleton- and membrane-anchored HA molecules.
• Approximately 15% of tested HA molecules were anchored to the cytoskeleton.
• Cytoskeletal anchoring was necessary to form tethers, suggesting a mechanical role in signal transmission.

Conclusions:

• Hyaluronic acid acts as a mechanical linker, transmitting signals to the cytoskeleton or membrane.
• Cytoskeleton-anchored HA transmits mechanical stimuli intracellularly.
• Membrane-tethered HA may interact with membrane-bound signaling molecules.