Mechanical mismatch between Ras transformed and untransformed epithelial cells

Gullekson C, Cojoc G, Schuermann M, Guck J, Pelling A (2017)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Journal

Soft Matter Royal Society of Chemistry

Book Volume: 13

Pages Range: 8483-8491

Journal Issue: 45

DOI: 10.1039/c7sm01396e

Abstract

The organization of the actin cytoskeleton plays a key role in regulating cell mechanics. It is fundamentally altered during transformation, affecting how cells interact with their environment. We investigated mechanical properties of cells expressing constitutively active, oncogenic Ras (Ras^V12) in adherent and suspended states. To do this, we utilized atomic force microscopy and a microfluidic optical stretcher. We found that adherent cells stiffen and suspended cells soften with the expression of constitutively active Ras. The effect on adherent cells was reversed when contractility was inhibited with the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632, resulting in softer Ras^V12 cells. Our findings suggest that increased ROCK activity as a result of Ras has opposite effects on suspended and adhered cells. Our results also establish the importance of the activation of ROCK by Ras and its effect on cell mechanics.

Authors with CRIS profile

Jochen Guck

Involved external institutions

University of Ottawa

Canada (CA) Technische Universität Dresden

Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Gullekson, C., Cojoc, G., Schuermann, M., Guck, J., & Pelling, A. (2017). Mechanical mismatch between Ras transformed and untransformed epithelial cells. Soft Matter, 13(45), 8483-8491. https://doi.org/10.1039/c7sm01396e

MLA:

Gullekson, Corinne, et al. "Mechanical mismatch between Ras transformed and untransformed epithelial cells." Soft Matter 13.45 (2017): 8483-8491.

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