Regensburg 2013 – scientific programme
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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik
BP 32: Cell Adhesion and Mechanics
BP 32.5: Talk
Friday, March 15, 2013, 10:30–10:45, H43
Actin and membrane contributions to the micromechanics of cell adhesions — •Konrad Berghoff1,2,3, Yoko Nakano2,3, Patricia Dankers2,3, Leo van IJzendoorn2,3, Bert Meijer2,3, and Holger Kress1,2,3 — 1University of Bayreuth, Germany — 2Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands — 3Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands
Adhesion to extracellular structures is import for a cell's ability to anchor itself in its environment and for receiving information from this environment. Understanding the mechanics of adhesion bonds and associated cellular structures will help to understand how cell adhesions fulfill their role as anchors and messengers. We investigate the mechanics of extracellular and intracellular adhesion bonds as well as the mechanics of associated cytoskeleton and membrane structures by using optical traps. We investigate the binding properties of microparticles functionalized with the integrin-binding RGD peptides to fibroblasts, and measure intracellular and extracellular rupture forces of adhesion bonds. Furthermore we investigate the viscoelastic properties of the actin network and the cell membrane which are associated with the adhesion area. Force-deformation measurements enable us to discriminate between permanent and reversible changes of the cellular mechanics. Our work provides an experimental basis for testing and improving recent models of cell membrane and cytoskeletal mechanics. It will help to improve our understanding of the mechanics of cell adhesions and associated structures.