Related Experiment Videos
Quantitative studies of increased cell-to-substratum adhesion at low temperature
1Dental School, University College and Middlesex School of Medicine, London, Great Britain.
Cytobios
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Cell adhesion to substratum significantly increases at lower temperatures. This study identifies distinct types of cell adhesion, differentiating between temperature-sensitive and protease-resistant interactions.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Cell-to-substratum adhesion is crucial for tissue integrity and cellular function.
- Understanding the forces and mechanisms governing cell adhesion is essential for various biological and medical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the cell-to-substratum adhesion of an epithelial cell line under varying temperatures.
- To investigate the different functional classes of cell adhesion based on their susceptibility to temperature and enzymatic treatment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a miniaturized parallel-plate shearing apparatus to measure the minimum distraction force (MDF) required to detach cells.
- Assessed cell adhesion at 4 degrees C, 8 degrees C, and 37 degrees C.
- Investigated trypsin-resistant adhesion (TRA) and the effects of concanavalin A and colchicine.
Main Results:
- Cell adhesion increased significantly at lower temperatures, with a three- to fourfold higher MDF at 4 degrees C (6.17 Pa) compared to 37 degrees C (1.36 Pa).
- Trypsin-resistant adhesion was stabilized by low temperatures and treatments with concanavalin A and colchicine.
- The combined effect of concanavalin A and low temperature on adhesion was additive, yielding an MDF greater than 9.27 pascals.
Conclusions:
- Cell-to-substratum adhesion exhibits distinct temperature and protease susceptibility, suggesting two functional classes: trypsin-sensitive adhesion (TSA) and trypsin-resistant adhesion (TRA).
- These classes may correspond to 'frictional' and 'tractional' adhesion mechanisms, respectively.