Nanotopography modulates intracellular excitable systems through cytoskeleton actuation

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Biophysics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Cellular sensing typically involves signal-transduction excitable networks (STEN) coupled to cytoskeletal excitable networks (CEN).
• Environmental cues are usually detected by receptors initiating signaling cascades.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the distinct mechanism of nanoridge sensing by cells.
• To investigate the roles of STEN and CEN in response to nanotopography.

Main Methods:

• Experimental manipulation of STEN and CEN activity.
• Observation of cellular responses to nanoridges.
• Computational modeling of cellular behavior.

Main Results:

• Cytoskeletal excitable network (CEN) activity is preferential on nanoridges.
• Signal-transduction excitable network (STEN) activity is confined between nanoridges.
• Absence of STEN leads to wave disappearance but persistent F-actin puncta on ridges.
• Suppression of CEN removes wave propagation constraints.
• A computational model successfully replicates these findings.

Conclusions:

• Nanoridges are sensed directly by CEN, with STEN being indirectly affected.
• A feedback loop between CEN and STEN governs nanotopography sensing.
• This mechanism ensures robust and cooperative texture sensing in vivo.