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C2C12 cells: biophysical, biochemical, and immunocytochemical properties
D K McMahon1, P A Anderson, R Nassar
1Department of Pathology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 27599.
The American Journal of Physiology
|June 1, 1994
Summary
C2C12 mouse skeletal muscle cells can be used to measure myofilament force and calcium sensitivity. These cells express and incorporate cardiac troponin T, making them a valuable model for studying muscle protein function.
Area of Science:
- Muscle physiology
- Cellular biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- C2C12 cell line is a widely used model for skeletal muscle research.
- Understanding myofibril function is crucial for muscle physiology and disease research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if C2C12 myotubes can be used to measure myofibril force development and calcium sensitivity.
- To determine if cardiac troponin T is expressed and incorporated into C2C12 myofibrils.
Main Methods:
- C2C12 myoblasts were differentiated into myotubes.
- Myofibril biochemical, structural, and biophysical properties were examined.
- Fluorescence immunocytochemistry and force measurements were performed on chemically skinned myotubes.
Main Results:
- Myotube differentiation initiated myofilament protein expression, including coexpressed cardiac and skeletal muscle troponin T isoforms.
- Cardiac troponin T isoforms were successfully incorporated into myofibrils.
- Force development and calcium sensitivity of C2C12 myotubes were measurable, with force increasing with differentiation time.
Conclusions:
- C2C12 myotubes are a suitable model for measuring myofilament force and calcium sensitivity.
- The expression and incorporation of cardiac troponin T isoforms suggest C2C12 cells can model effects of various troponin T isoforms on myofilament function.
- These findings support the use of C2C12 cells for studying exogenous contractile protein isoform effects on myofilament function.