Tethering, evagination, and vesiculation via cell-cell interactions in microvascular flow.

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Hematology

Background:

• Vesiculation is a common cell process with vital functions.
• Erythrocyte vesiculation protects red blood cells from clearance.
• Cellular adherence in microcirculation can lead to vesicle formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore red blood cell vesicle formation in microvascular shear flow.
• To detail mechanisms of vesicle formation via tethers or evagination.
• To investigate the role of erythrocyte membrane skeleton remodeling.

Main Methods:

• Numerical simulations based on video recordings of splenic venous sinus microflow.
• Analysis of cell adherence enhanced by diseased states or chemical anomalies.
• Modeling of erythrocyte membrane skeleton remodeling and time scales.

Main Results:

• Identified mechanisms of red blood cell vesicle formation under shear flow.
• Highlighted the necessity of considering membrane skeleton remodeling.
• Provided insights into the holistic nature of cell deformability.

Conclusions:

• Red blood cell vesicle formation is influenced by shear flow and adherence.
• Erythrocyte membrane mechanics and remodeling are critical for understanding cell deformability.
• The study suggests experimental avenues for quantitative analysis.