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Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Living Cells Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Living Cells Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Published on: June 27, 2013

Eukaryotic CRFK Cells Motion Characterized with Atomic Force Microscopy.

María Zamora-Ceballos¹, Juan Bárcena¹, Johann Mertens²

¹Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA/CSIC), Valdeolmos, 28130 Madrid, Spain.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

|November 26, 2022

Summary

Eukaryotic cell motion involves a stiffness gradient in the actomyosin cortex, increasing at the rear. This, with volume decrease, suggests active water expulsion to drive cell movement.

Keywords:

atomic force microscopy cytoskeleton eukaryotic cells mechanical properties migration motion spring constant topography

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Area of Science:

Cell biology
Biophysics
Cytoskeletal dynamics

Background:

Cell migration is crucial for development and disease.
The actomyosin cortex provides mechanical support and drives cell shape changes.
Understanding the mechanical properties of the cortex during cell motion is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the mechanical properties of the actomyosin cortex during eukaryotic cell migration.
To correlate cytoskeletal dynamics with cell movement and volume changes.

Main Methods:

Time-lapse imaging using atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Studied motion of CRFK (Crandell-Rees Feline Kidney) cells on glass surfaces.
Maintained cells in culture medium at 37 °C.

Main Results:

A gradient in the spring constant of the actomyosin cortex was observed along the cell axis.
Cell rear exhibited increased rigidity during motion.
A significant decrease in cell volume was detected.

Conclusions:

Cells may develop asymmetry in their cytoskeletal network to expel water.
This active water expulsion mechanism could drive rear edge propulsion during cell migration.