Regensburg 2022 – wissenschaftliches Programm
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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik
BP 12: Poster 2
BP 12.9: Poster
Dienstag, 6. September 2022, 17:30–19:30, P4
Force generation in human blood platelets mediated by actin structures — •Anna Zelena1, Johannes Blumberg2, Ulrich S. Schwarz2, and Sarah Köster1 — 1Institute for X-Ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Germany — 2Institute for Theoretical Physics, University Heidelberg, Germany
Blood platelets are known for their importance in blood clotting: Their correct function significantly affects the early steps of wound closing and thus restoration of blood circulation. The hemostatic function of platelets is directly connected to their mechanics and cytoskeletal morphology, however, the exact mechanism and connection between them remain elusive. As was previously investigated, the reorganization of the platelet cytoskeleton upon spreading is a very fast process, which occurs within minutes, and it leads to pronounced stress fiber morphologies. In this study, we investigate single platelets by combining traction force measurements with fluorescence imaging of the actin structures in a time-resolved manner. Thus, we can spatially and temporally correlate the force generation with the emerging acting structures. Interestingly, the spots of highest force remain very stable in time and spatially align very closely with the visualized end points of fibrous actin structures. Additionally, our data show that the force generation is a very robust mechanism independent of changes in the amount of added thrombin in solution or fibrinogen coverage on the substrate, which may be physiologically important so as to ensure reliable blood clotting independent of environmental parameters.