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Slow cellular dynamics in MDCK and R5 cells monitored by time-lapse atomic force microscopy
1Maurice E. Müller Institute for Microscopic Structural Biology, University of Basel, Switzerland.
Biophysical Journal
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Atomic force microscopy revealed dynamic membrane protrusions in normal kidney cells and active cellular responses in ras-transformed cells. These dynamic events, including membrane bulges and process retraction, offer insights into cell behavior under mechanical stress.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Epithelial cells exhibit complex dynamic behaviors crucial for tissue function.
- Understanding cellular responses to mechanical stimuli is vital in cell biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate dynamic events in Madine-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells and ras-transformed MDCK cells using atomic force microscopy (AFM).
- To characterize membrane protrusions and cellular rearrangements under physiological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM) for high-resolution imaging of cells.
- Time-lapse video microscopy to capture dynamic cellular events.
- Observation of Madine-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells and ras-transformed MDCK cells.
Main Results:
- Normal MDCK cells displayed transient, smooth bulges and spike-like protrusions on the apical membrane.
- Ras-transformed R5 cells showed active retraction of actin stress fiber-supported processes in response to AFM tip irritation.
- Intracellular particle transport and wave-like cytoplasmic movements were observed in R5 cells.
Conclusions:
- AFM is effective in visualizing dynamic cellular processes at the minute scale.
- Ras-transformed cells exhibit distinct, active responses to mechanical stimuli, including process retraction and cytoplasmic rearrangements.
- The study provides novel insights into the dynamic behavior of epithelial cells and their oncogenic transformants.