Abstract
Cholesterol is an important lipid component of mammalian cell plasma membranes. It contributes to the biophysical properties of the membrane, and plays an important role in the regulation of the membrane protein function.In this study, effects of cholesterol on viscoelastic properties of the plasma membrane are investigated. We use optical tweezers to extract nanotubes (tethers) from the plasma membrane of human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. We obtain time-resolved tether force measurements under cholesterol depleted and cholesterol enriched conditions. Using these data, elastic and viscous parameters of the plasma membrane are quantified and correlated to the changes in the membrane cholesterol level.Acknowledgements: This work was supported by Bourns College of Engineering and the Bioengineering Center at University of California, Riverside, and grants provided by NIH (2R01-DC02775) and NSF (BES-0522862).
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
