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Cell cycle-dependence of HL-60 cell deformability
M A Tsai1, R E Waugh, P C Keng
1Department of Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York 14642, USA. mts1@medinfo.rochester.edu
Biophysical Journal
|April 1, 1996
Summary
This study reveals that F-actin is crucial for HL-60 cell deformability throughout the cell cycle, with microtubules also playing a role in proliferating cells. S-phase cells are less deformable due to increased cytoplasmic viscosity.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Cytoskeletal Dynamics
Background:
- Cell deformability is critical for various biological processes, including cell division and migration.
- The cell cycle influences cellular mechanical properties, but the underlying cytoskeletal mechanisms are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the cytoskeleton in HL-60 cell deformability during different cell cycle phases (G1, S, G2/M).
- To determine the specific contributions of F-actin and microtubules to cell mechanical properties in a cell cycle-dependent manner.
Main Methods:
- Separation of HL-60 cell cycle fractions using centrifugal elutriation.
- Assessment of cell deformability via pipette aspiration.
- Pharmacological disruption of F-actin (dihydrocytochalasin B) and microtubules (colchicine).
Main Results:
- S-phase HL-60 cells exhibited reduced deformability and increased cytoplasmic viscosity compared to G1-phase cells.
- F-actin disruption significantly softened both G1 and S cells, reducing key mechanical constants.
- Microtubule disruption had a limited effect on G1 cells but reduced S-cell viscosity.
Conclusions:
- F-actin is the primary determinant of HL-60 cell mechanical properties across the cell cycle.
- Microtubules contribute to cell mechanical behavior, particularly in S-phase cells, indicating cell cycle-dependent regulation.
- Understanding these mechanics is vital for comprehending cell proliferation and migration.