Abstract
We performed a time-lapse imaging with atomic force microscopy (AFM) of the motion of eukaryotic CRFK (Crandell-Rees Feline Kidney) cells adhered onto a glass surface and anchored to other cells in culture medium at 37 °C. The main finding is a gradient in the spring constant of the actomyosin cortex along the cells axis. The rigidity increases at the rear of the cells during motion. This observation as well as a dramatic decrease of the volume suggests that cells may organize a dissymmetry in the skeleton network to expulse water and drive actively the rear edge.
Funder
Ministry of Science and Innovation
Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness
Subject
Inorganic Chemistry,Organic Chemistry,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry,Computer Science Applications,Spectroscopy,Molecular Biology,General Medicine,Catalysis
Reference36 articles.
1. Cell Migration: Integrating Signals from Front to Back;Ridley;Science,2003
2. Actin, a Central Player in Cell Shape and Movement;Pollard;Science,2009
3. Mechanoreciprocity in cell migration;Storm;Nat. Cell Biol.,2018
4. Mechanisms of 3D cell migration;Yamada;Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol.,2019
5. Exploratory cell dynamics: A sense of touch for cells?;Nalbant;Biol. Chem.,2015