Quantification of cell surface roughness; a method for studying cell mechanical and adhesive properties

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Biophysics
• Microscopy

Background:

• Cell surface topography, including asperities, is crucial for cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions.
• The arrangement of these surface features correlates with the cell's internal cytoskeleton.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, objective method for quantifying cell contour roughness using electron micrographs.
• To enable precise measurement of cell deformation in adhesive zones.

Main Methods:

• A novel image analysis technique compares constant-length segments of cell boundaries to reference circular segments.
• The method utilizes a digitizer and microcomputer for analysis.
• Applied to electron micrographs of tumor cells interacting with cytotoxic T lymphocytes and thymocytes on concanavalin A-coated surfaces.

Main Results:

• The developed method accurately quantifies cell contour roughness.
• Precise quantification of cell deformation in adhesive zones was achieved.
• The technique allows for the absolute evaluation of adhesive stimuli.

Conclusions:

• This method provides an objective tool for analyzing cell surface morphology and adhesive properties.
• It facilitates a deeper understanding of cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions.
• Potential applications include evaluating the strength of cellular adhesion and stimuli.