Logo image
Characterization of mechanical behavior of an epithelial monolayer in response to epidermal growth factor stimulation
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Characterization of mechanical behavior of an epithelial monolayer in response to epidermal growth factor stimulation

Ruiguo Yang, Jennifer Y Chen, Ning Xi, King Wai Chiu Lai, Chengeng Qu, Carmen Kar Man Fung, Lynn S Penn and Jun Xi
Experimental cell research, v 318(5), pp 521-526
10 Mar 2012
PMID: 22227009
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yexcr.2011.12.003View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open

Abstract

AFM Cytoskeleton EGFR signaling QCM-D Cell adhesion Cell mechanics
Cell signaling often causes changes in cellular mechanical properties. Knowledge of such changes can ultimately lead to insight into the complex network of cell signaling. In the current study, we employed a combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) to characterize the mechanical behavior of A431 cells in response to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. From AFM, which probes the upper portion of an individual cell in a monolayer of cells, we observed increases in energy dissipation, Young's modulus, and hysteresivity. Increases in hysteresivity imply a shift toward a more fluid-like mechanical ordering state in the bodies of the cells. From QCM-D, which probes the basal area of the monolayer of cells collectively, we observed decreases in energy dissipation factor. This result suggests a shift toward a more solid-like state in the basal areas of the cells. The comparative analysis of these results indicates a regionally specific mechanical behavior of the cell in response to EGFR signaling and suggests a correlation between the time-dependent mechanical responses and the dynamic process of EGFR signaling. This study also demonstrates that a combination of AFM and QCM-D is able to provide a more complete and refined mechanical profile of the cells during cell signaling. ► The EGF-induced cellular mechanical response is regionally specific. ► The EGF-induced cellular mechanical response is time and dose dependent. ► A combination of AFM and QCM-D provides a more complete mechanical profile of cells.

Metrics

8 Record Views
23 citations in Scopus

Details

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

InCites Highlights

Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:

Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Cell Biology
Oncology
Logo image