Quantitative biomechanical profiling of transformed human corneal epithelial cells

Cell mechanics, governed by cortical surface dynamics and cytoskeletal viscoelasticity, evolve throughout the cell cycle, influencing cellular function and behavior. Using multimodal microscopy-bimodal atomic force microscopy (AFM), force mapping, and load-rate analysis-we investigate mechanical differences between mitotic and interphase human corneal epithelial-transformed cells (HCE-T). Our quantitative analysis reveals significant variations in stiffness, viscosity, adhesion, and loading-rate responses, reflecting the frequency- and time-dependent properties of cytoskeletal networks and intracellular fluid dynamics. We show that mitotic cells exhibit reduced stiffness in dynamic tests due to intracellular softening and increased fluidity, while static tests highlight cortical stiffening driven by contractile forces. These findings emphasize the dynamic interplay between actin and microtubules in regulating cellular mechanics during division. By integrating high-resolution mechanical mapping with advanced analytical techniques, this study provides novel insights into cytoskeletal remodeling, offering a robust platform for studying mechano-transduction with applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.