Structure Of Stress Fibers Research Articles

Analysis of EMT induction in a non-invasive breast cancer cell line by mesenchymal stem cell supernatant: Study of 2D and 3D microfluidic based aggregate formation and migration ability, and cytoskeleton remodeling.

The process of Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a phenotypic invasive shift and the factors affecting it, are under extensive research. Application of supernatants of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs) on non-invasive cancer cells is a well known method of in vitro induction of EMT like process. While previous researches have focused on the effects of hADMSCs supernatant on the biochemical signaling pathways of the cells through expression of different proteins and genes, we investigated pro-carcinogic alterations of physico-mechanical cues in terms of changes in cell motility and aggregated formation in 3D microenvironments, and cytoskeletal actin-myosin content and fiber arrangement. MCF-7 cancer cells were treated by the supernatant from 48hour-starved hADMSCs, and their vimentin/E-cadherin expressions were evaluated. The invasive potential of treated and non-treated cells was measured and compared through aggregate formation and migration capability. Furthermore, alterations in cell and nucleus morphologies were studied, and F-actin and myosin-II alterations in terms of content and arrangement were investigated. Results indicated that application of hADMSCs supernatant enhanced vimentin expression as the biomarker of EMT, and induced pro-carcinogenic effects on non-invasive cancer cells through increased invasive potential by higher cell motility and reduced aggregate formation, rearrangement of actin structure and generation of more stress fibers, together with increased myosin II that lead to enhanced cell motility and traction force. Our results indicated that in vitro induction of EMT through mesenchymal supernatant influenced biophysical features of cancer cells through cytoskeletal remodeling that emphasizes the interconnection of chemical and physical signaling pathways during cancer progress and invasion. Results give a better insight to EMT as a biological process and the synergy between biochemical and biophysical parameters that contribute to this process, and eventually assist in improving cancer treatment strategies.

Chemical Activation of Piezo1 Alters Biomechanical Behaviors toward Relaxation of Cultured Airway Smooth Muscle Cells

Inspired by the well-known phenomenon of stretch-induced airway dilation in normal lungs and the emerging stretch-responsive Piezo1 channels that can be chemically activated by specific agonists such as Yoda1, we attempted to investigate whether chemical activation of Piezo1 by Yoda1 can modulate the biomechanical behaviors of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) so that it may be exploited as a novel approach for bronchodilation. Thus, we treated in vitro cultured rat ASMCs with Yoda1, and examined the cells for calcium signaling, cell stiffness, traction force, cell migration, and the mRNA expression and distribution of molecules relevant to cell biomechanics. The data show that ASMCs expressed abundant mRNA of Piezo1. ASMCs exposed to 1 µM Yoda1 exhibited a potent but transient Ca2+ signaling, and treatment with 1 µM Yoda1 for 24 h led to decreased cell stiffness and traction force, all of which were partially reversed by Piezo1 inhibitor GsMTx4 and Piezo1 knockdown, respectively. In addition, ASMCs treated with 1 µM Yoda1 for 24 h exhibited impaired horizontal but enhanced vertical cell migration, as well as significant changes in key components of cells' contractile machinery including the structure and distribution of stress fibers and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) fibrils, the mRNA expression of molecules associated with cell biomechanics. These results provide the first evidence that chemical activation of Piezo1 by Yoda1 resulted in marked pro-relaxation alterations of biomechanical behaviors and contractile machinery of the ASMCs. These findings suggest that Piezo1-specific agonists may indeed have great potential as alternative drug agents for relaxing ASMCs.

Helical structure of actin stress fibers and its possible contribution to inducing their direction-selective disassembly upon cell shortening.

Mechanisms of the assembly of actin stress fibers (SFs) have been extensively studied, while those of the disassembly-particularly cell shortening-induced ones-remain unclear. Here, we show that SFs have helical structures composed of multi-subbundles, and they tend to be delaminated upon cell shortening. Specifically, we observed with atomic force microscopy delamination of helical SFs into their subbundles. We physically caught individual SFs using a pair of glass needles to observe rotational deformations during stretching as well as ATP-driven active contraction, suggesting that they deform in a manner reflecting their intrinsic helical structure. A minimal analytical model was then developed based on the Frenet-Serret formulas with force-strain measurement data to suggest that helical SFs can be delaminated into the constituent subbundles upon axial shortening. Given that SFs are large molecular clusters that bear cellular tension but must promptly disassemble upon loss of the tension, the resulting increase in their surface area due to the shortening-induced delamination may facilitate interaction with surrounding molecules to aid subsequent disintegration. Thus, our results suggest a new mechanism of the disassembly that occurs only in the specific SFs exposed to forced shortening.

Analyzing valve interstitial cell mechanics and geometry with spatial statistics

Understanding cell geometric and mechanical properties is crucial to understanding how cells sense and respond to their local environment. Moreover, changes to cell mechanical properties under varied micro-environmental conditions can both influence and indicate fundamental changes to cell behavior. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a well established, powerful tool to capture geometric and mechanical properties of cells. We have previously demonstrated substantial functional and behavioral differences between aortic and pulmonary valve interstitial cells (VIC) using AFM and subsequent models of VIC mechanical response. In the present work, we extend these studies by demonstrating that to best interpret the spatially distributed AFM data, the use of spatial statistics is required. Spatial statistics includes formal techniques to analyze spatially distributed data, and has been used successfully in the analysis of geographic data. Thus, spatially mapped AFM studies of cell geometry and mechanics are analogous to more traditional forms of geospatial data. We are able to compare the spatial autocorrelation of stiffness in aortic and pulmonary valve interstitial cells, and more accurately capture cell geometry from height recordings. Specifically, we showed that pulmonary valve interstitial cells display higher levels of spatial autocorrelation of stiffness than aortic valve interstitial cells. This suggests that aortic VICs form different stress fiber structures than their pulmonary counterparts, in addition to being more highly expressed and stiffer on average. Thus, the addition of spatial statistics can contribute to our fundamental understanding of the differences between cell types. Moving forward, we anticipate that this work will be meaningful to enhance direct analysis of experimental data and for constructing high fidelity computational of VICs and other cell models.

Biological effects caused by structure of actin stress fibers with helical microstructure

Biological effects caused by structure of actin stress fibers with helical microstructure

Maintenance of human chondrogenic phenotype on a dendrimer-immobilized surface for an application of cell sheet engineering

BackgroundDedifferentiation of chondrocytes during cell expansion is one of the barriers in tissue construction for cartilage repair. To understand chondrocyte behavior and improve cell expansion in monolayer culture, this study investigated the effects of morphological changes and cellular aggregation on the maintenance of chondrogenic capacity by observing the expression patterns of chondrogenic (collagen type II and aggrecan) and dedifferentiation (collagen type I) markers. Primary human chondrocytes were cultured on either a polystyrene surface (PS) or a polyamidoamine dendrimer surface with a fifth-generation (G5) dendron structure to create a one-step process of cell expansion and the maintenance of chondrogenic activities prior to the construction of cell sheets.ResultsDuring the first two passages (P0 - P2), the relative mRNA level of collagen type II decreased in all cultures, while that of collagen type I increased. Remarkably, the level of collagen type II was higher and aggrecan was retained in the chondrocytes, forming cell aggregates and showing some round-shaped cells with less production of stress fibers on the G5 surface compared to fibroblast-like chondrocytes with abundant stress fibers on the PS surface. The numbers of P2 chondrocytes on the G5 and PS surfaces were nearly the same and sufficient for construction of chondrocyte sheets using a temperature-responsive plate. Without a supporting material during cell sheet manipulation, chondrocyte sheets spontaneously detached and exhibited a honeycomb-like structure of stress fibers. Unlike the chondrocyte sheets constructed from cells on the PS surface, the chondrocyte sheets from cells on the G5 surface had higher chondrogenic activities, as evidenced by the high expression of chondrogenic markers and the low expression of dedifferentiation markers.ConclusionsThe one-step process of cell expansion and maintenance of chondrogenic activity could be obtained using the G5 surface. Human chondrocyte sheets were successfully constructed with high chondrogenic activity. These findings may lead to an alternative cultivation technique for human chondrocytes that offers high clinical potential in autologous chondrocyte implantation.

<i>In Situ</i> Observation and Measurement of Actin Stress Fiber Deformation in Stretched Osteoblast like Cell

It is believed that mechanical stimuli, such as stretching of the extracellular matrix, are transmitted into cells via focal adhesion complexes and the actin cytoskeleton. Transmission dynamics of strain from the extracellular matrix into intracellular organelles is crucial to clarify the mechanosensing mechanisms of cells. In this study, we observed deformation behavior of actin stress fibers under uniaxial stretch using an originally developed cell-stretching microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device. It was difficult to conduct in situ observation of cells under stretch using conventional cell stretching devices, because motion artifacts such as rigid displacement during stretch application were not negligible. Our novel cell-stretching MEMS device suppressed rigid displacement while stretching, and we succeeded in obtaining time-lapse images of stretched cells. Uniaxial strain with a 10% magnitude and strain rate of 0.5%/sec was applied to cells. Deformation behaviors of the cells and actin stress fibers were recorded using a confocal laser scanning microscope. In time-lapse images of stretched cells, strains along each stress fiber were measured manually. As a result, in cells with a relatively homogeneous stress fiber structure oriented in one direction, distribution of the axial strain on stress fibers generally corresponded to deformation of the stretching sheet on which the cells had adhered. However, in cells with a heterogeneous stress fiber structure oriented in several directions, we found that the strain distribution along stress fibers was not homogeneous. In regions around the cell nucleus, there was a more complicated strain distribution compared with other regions. Our results suggest the cell nucleus with a stiff mechanical resistance yields such a complicated strain distribution in stress fibers.

The inner workings of stress fibers - from contractile machinery to focal adhesions and back.

Ventral stress fibers and focal adhesions are physically coupled structures that play key roles in cellular mechanics and force sensing. The tight functional interdependence between the two is manifested not only by their apparent proximity but also by the fact that ventral stress fibers and focal adhesions are simultaneously diminished upon actomyosin relaxation, and grow when subjected to external stretching. However, whereas the apparent co-regulation of the two structures is well-documented, the underlying mechanisms remains poorly understood. In this Commentary, we discuss some of the fundamental, yet still open questions regarding ventral stress fiber structure, its force-dependent assembly, as well as its capacity to generate force. We also challenge the common approach - i.e. ventral stress fibers are variants of the well-studied striated or smooth muscle machinery - by presenting and critically discussing alternative venues. By highlighting some of the less-explored aspects of the interplay between stress fibers and focal adhesions, we hope that this Commentary will encourage further investigation in this field.

Effect of the Fructus Ligustri Lucidi extract and its monomers quercetin and oleanolic acid on the adhesion and migration of melanocytes and intracellular actin.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL) extract and its monomers quercetin and oleanolic acid on the adhesion and migration of human epidermal melanocytes (MCs) and intracellular actin. The human epidermal MCs were cultured and identified. The cells were treated with different concentrations of FLL extract, quercetin and oleanolic acid. The adhesion and migration abilities of the cells were determined by the fibronectin-coated culture experiment and Transwell assay, respectively. The structure and distribution of intracellular actin were observed by confocal laser microscopy, with semi-quantitative analysis. Results showed that compared with the control group, 0.0375-0.3 mg/ml of the FLL extract and 40 µM quercetin significantly improved the adhesion rate of MCs (P<0.05). The numbers of MCs permeating the microporous membrane in the 0.15 mg/ml FLL extract and 12 µM oleanolic acid groups were 43.7 and 30.3, respectively, significantly higher compared to the control group (P<0.01). In the control group, the intracellular actin was less, and the stress fiber structure was not clear. In the 0.15 mg/ml FLL extract, 12 µM oleanolic acid and 40 µM quercetin groups, there were numerous bunched stress fibers, indicating the aggregation of filamentous fibrous actin. The mean optical densities of actin expression in the 0.15 mg/ml FLL extract, 12 µM oleanolic acid and 40 µM quercetin groups were significantly higher compared to the control group (P<0.05). The FLL extract has a significant stimulatory effect on the adhesion and migration of human epidermal MCs. The mechanism may be associated with the promotion of intracellular actin cytoskeleton aggregation.

Modeling Active Mechanosensing in Cell-Matrix Interactions.

Cells actively sense the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix, such as its rigidity, morphology, and deformation. The cell-matrix interaction influences a range of cellular processes, including cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation, among others. This article aims to review some of the recent progress that has been made in modeling mechanosensing in cell-matrix interactions at different length scales. The issues discussed include specific interactions between proteins, the structure and mechanosensitivity of focal adhesions, the cluster effects of the specific binding, the structure and behavior of stress fibers, cells' sensing of substrate stiffness, and cell reorientation on cyclically stretched substrates. The review concludes by looking toward future opportunities in the field and at the challenges to understanding active cell-matrix interactions.

Bidirectional Interplay between Vimentin Intermediate Filaments and Contractile Actin Stress Fibers.

The actin cytoskeleton and cytoplasmic intermediate filaments contribute to cell migration and morphogenesis, but the interplay between these two central cytoskeletal elements has remained elusive. Here, we find that specific actin stress fiber structures, transverse arcs, interact with vimentin intermediate filaments and promote their retrograde flow. Consequently, myosin-II-containing arcs are important for perinuclear localization of the vimentin network in cells. The vimentin network reciprocally restricts retrograde movement of arcs and hence controls the width of flat lamellum at the leading edge of the cell. Depletion of plectin recapitulates the vimentin organization phenotype of arc-deficient cells without affecting the integrity of vimentin filaments or stress fibers, demonstrating that this cytoskeletal cross-linker is required for productive interactions between vimentin and arcs. Collectively, our results reveal that plectin-mediated interplay between contractile actomyosin arcs and vimentin intermediate filaments controls the localization and dynamics of these two cytoskeletal systems and is consequently important for cell morphogenesis.

Abstract 1018: The diarylpentanoid curcumin analog GO-Y078 can effectively inhibit tumor angiogenesis through actin disorganization

Abstract Background Curcumin is a dietary pigment with anti-tumor potential. However, its bioavailability is low, and its numerous analogs are being developed. Diarylpentanoid analogs have approximately 50 times higher tumor suppression potential than curcumin and more effectively regulate various targets including β-catenin, nuclear factor-κB, and caspase-3. Methods Analogs were screened using endothelial cell sprouting and Xenopus vasculogenesis assays. Growth inhibition, apoptosis induction, wound healing, and invasion analyses as well as western blotting and cDNA microarrays were also performed. Stress fiber structures and focal adhesion (FA) were examined by immunohistochemistry. Subcellular analog localization was examined using a biotinylated analog. Results Sprouting and Xenopus assays indicated that GO-Y078 was comparable to the clinically approved angiogenesis inhibitors sorafenib and sunitinib. Inhibition against endothelial cell growth and migration and apoptosis induction of GO-Y078 were similar to or at most 20 times higher than those of sorafenib and sunitinib. However, inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling was much less than that observed with sorafenib and sunitinib. GO-Y078 inhibited actin stress fiber formation more effectively than sorafenib and sunitinib. It also decreased FA and induced detachment, resulting in anoikis. These potentials were suggested to be the result of mislocalization of heat shock protein 27 and actin as well as downregulation of fibronectin 1. Conclusion GO-Y078 is a new class of angiogenesis inhibitor that suppresses actin organization and vascular endothelial cell FA. Inhibition by these analogs could also be effective for redundancy due to complex angiogenesis signaling. Citation Format: shunsuke sugiyama, Chikashi Ishioka, Hiroyuki Shibata. The diarylpentanoid curcumin analog GO-Y078 can effectively inhibit tumor angiogenesis through actin disorganization. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1018. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1018

Dexamethasone Induces Cross-Linked Actin Networks in Trabecular Meshwork Cells Through Noncanonical Wnt Signaling

Dexamethasone (DEX) regulates aqueous humor outflow by inducing a reorganization of the cytoskeleton to form cross-linked actin networks (CLANs) in trabecular meshwork (TM) cells. Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) has been demonstrated to have an important role in this process, but the upstream components leading to its activation remain elusive. The purpose of the study is to demonstrate that noncanonical Wnt signaling mediates the DEX-induced CLAN formation in TM cells. The TM cells were treated with 100 nM DEX in low serum medium for over 7 days. The medium was changed every 3 days. The cells were harvested and subjected to molecular analysis for the expression of Wnt ligands. Stress fiber structures were revealed by Phalloidin staining. Lentivirus-based shRNA against noncanonical Wnt receptor (Ror2) was used to determine the role of noncanonical Wnt signaling in DEX-induced CLAN formation. The DEX induced stress fiber rearrangement in TM cells. A noncanonical Wnt ligand (Wnt5a) was upregulated by DEX as demonstrated by Wnt ligand degenerate PCR, real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), and Western blotting. Knocking-down Ror2, the receptor of noncanonical Wnt signaling, abolished the effects of DEX on the TM cells. Our data suggest that DEX induces the upregulation of noncanonical Wnt ligand Wnt5a. Recombinant WNT5a protein induces CLAN formation through the noncanonical Wnt receptor ROR2/RhoA/ROCK signaling axis. Given the similarities between DEX-induced ocular hypertension and primary open-angle glaucoma, our results provide a mechanism of action for applying ROCK inhibitor to treat primary open-angle glaucoma.

The periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis changes the gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells involving the TGFbeta/Notch signalling pathway and increased cell proliferation

BackgroundPorphyromonas gingivalis is a gram-negative bacterium that causes destructive chronic periodontitis. In addition, this bacterium is also involved in the development of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of P. gingivalis infection on gene and protein expression in human aortic smooth muscle cells (AoSMCs) and its relation to cellular function.ResultsAoSMCs were exposed to viable P. gingivalis for 24 h, whereafter confocal fluorescence microscopy was used to study P. gingivalis invasion of AoSMCs. AoSMCs proliferation was evaluated by neutral red assay. Human genome microarray, western blot and ELISA were used to investigate how P. gingivalis changes the gene and protein expression of AoSMCs. We found that viable P. gingivalis invades AoSMCs, disrupts stress fiber structures and significantly increases cell proliferation. Microarray results showed that, a total of 982 genes were identified as differentially expressed with the threshold log2 fold change > |1| (adjust p-value <0.05). Using bioinformatic data mining, we demonstrated that up-regulated genes are enriched in gene ontology function of positive control of cell proliferation and down-regulated genes are enriched in the function of negative control of cell proliferation. The results from pathway analysis revealed that all the genes belonging to these two categories induced by P. gingivalis were enriched in 25 pathways, including genes of Notch and TGF-beta pathways.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that P. gingivalis is able to invade AoSMCs and stimulate their proliferation. The activation of TGF-beta and Notch signaling pathways may be involved in the bacteria-mediated proliferation of AoSMCs. These findings further support the association between periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases.

Actin cytoskeleton-dependent pathways for ADMA-induced NF-&amp;kappa;B activation and TGF-&amp;beta; high expression in human renal glomerular endothelial cells

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, is considered to be an independent risk factor in the progression of chronic kidney diseases (CKD). It can induce kidney fibrosis by increasing transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 expression, but its molecular mechanism is unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of actin cytoskeleton in ADMA-induced TGF-β1 high expression in human renal glomerular endothelial cells (HRGECs). The structure of stress fibers was visualized by immunofluorescence, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) DNA-binding activity was assessed by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay and TGF-β1 expression was assessed by western blot analysis. Results showed that ADMA induced the assembly of stress fibers, DNA binding of NF-κB, and increasing expression of TGF-β1. When the dynamics of actin cytoskeleton was perturbed by the actin-depolymerizing agent cytochalasin D and the actin-stabilizing agent jasplakinolide, or ablation of stress fiber bundles by the nicotineamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase inhibitor apocynin and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor SB203580, ADMA-induced DNA binding of NF-κB and TGF-β1 expression were inhibited. These results revealed an actin cytoskeleton-dependent mechanism in ADMA-induced NF-κB activation and TGF-β1 high expression in HRGECs. The specific targeting of the actin cytoskeleton may be a useful strategy to prevent ADMA-activated kidney fibrosis in CKD.

Nucleus Accumbens-Associated 1 Contributes to Cortactin Deacetylation and Augments the Migration of Melanoma Cells

We investigated the prognostic significance and post-transcriptional acetylation-modification of cortactin (CTTN) via the nucleus accumbens-associated 1 (NACC1)-histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) deacetylation system in primary melanomas and melanoma cell lines. Overexpression of CTTN protein was observed in 56 (73%) of 77 stage I-IV melanomas, and was significantly correlated with tumor thickness, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and disease outcome. The patients whose tumors exhibited CTTN overexpression had a poorer outcome than patients without this feature (P=0.028, log-rank test). NACC1 and CTTN proteins, but not HDAC6, were overexpressed in four melanoma cell lines in comparison with a primary culture of normal human epidermal melanocytes. Knockdown of both NACC1 and HDAC6 markedly downregulated the migration activity of all melanoma cell lines (P<0.05), and induced a gain of CTTN protein acetylation status. Confocal microscopy showed that hyperacetylation of CTTN modulated by depletion of both NACC1 and HDAC6 induced disappearance of CTTN protein at the leading edge of migrating cells, resulting in stabilization of the focal adhesion structure and development of actin stress fibers. These data suggest that the acetylation status of CTTN modulated by the NACC1-HDAC6 deacetylation system induces acceleration of melanoma cell migration activity via an actin-dependent cellular process, possibly contributing to aggressive behavior (invasion/metastasis) of the melanoma cells.

Early Effects of Lasonolide A on Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Lasonolide A, a novel polyketide-derived macrolide, was previously identified from an extract of the marine sponge Forcepia sp. in an assay for protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors. Cytotoxicity testing and profiling of lasonolide A in the National Cancer Institute (NCI) 60 cell panel screen revealed that it was potent toward a broad range of cell lines and also suggested a unique mechanism of action. Contrary to expected results, we found lasonolide A to be a strong activator of PKC in Panc-1 pancreatic carcinoma cells. Downstream mitogen-activated protein kinases, ERK 1/2 and p38 were also rapidly phosphorylated in response to lasonolide A, as was Akt. Microscopy studies revealed that lasonolide A induced blebbing and contraction of the cells within minutes of exposure, and the eventual loss of adherence. However, membrane integrity was maintained and the effects were reversible if lasonolide A was washed from the cells after their loss of adherence. Pretreatment of cells with a myosin II inhibitor, blebbistatin, slowed the early onset, but did not prevent the morphological effects of lasonolide A. Cells stained for actin filaments showed some reduction in stress fiber structure after lasonolide A exposure; however, it did not affect the polymerization of purified actin in vitro. Bisindolemaleimide, a PKC inhibitor, and wortmannin, a phosphoinositide 3-kinase; inhibitor, did not reduce lasonolide A-induced contraction or blebbing or the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, although Akt phosphorylation was prevented by wortmannin pretreatment. Our results indicate that lasonolide A activates multiple signal transduction pathways and suggest that the origin is upstream of PKC.

Biomechanical properties of actin stress fibers of non-motile cells

The structure of stress fibers, contractile actin bundles, differs between motile and non-motile cells, though the same term "stress fiber" is used to refer to the structurally as well as functionally different actin bundles. Stress fibers in non-motile cells run between separate focal adhesions, producing isometric tension due to actomyosin contraction. The stress fiber contraction is maintained through dynamic molecular exchanges between preformed and cytoplasmic components. This isometric contraction has been recognized as being essential for extracellular matrix assembly and resultant wound healing. In addition, there have recently been increasing data suggesting that stress fibers under contraction by themselves work as a mechanosensitive element. In this review we discuss, from molecular and physical viewpoints, biomechanical properties of the stress fiber of non-motile cells such as contraction force, resistance to stretching, and their roles in keeping a mechanical homeostasis, which play vital roles in the mechanosensing process.

Orientation Dependent FT Raman Microspectroscopy on Hemp Fibers

AbstractSummary: FT Raman microspectroscopy was used for polarization experiments on strained hemp fibre cells. The cellulosic plant fibers were macerated with alkaline and enzymatic solutions. Those cleaned and refined single fiber cells were subjected to micro tensile tests as well as to polarization measurements under the FT Raman microscope. Mechanical parameters of the fiber cells (e.g. E‐modulus) were determined and changes in orientation of the (COC) structure units of the cellulose were considered with respect to fiber stress and molecular fiber structures. Intensity ratios R1 and R2 calculated on the polarized micro FT Raman spectra of the strained fibers describe the order parameter 〈P2〉 and 〈P4〉 allowing the quantitative determination of the orientation of the structure units (COC) of fiber cellulose with respect to the fiber cell axis.

Kinetics of stress fibers

Stress fibers are contractile cytoskeletal structures, tensile actomyosin bundles which allow sensing and production of force, provide cells with adjustable rigidity and participate in various processes such as wound healing. The stress fiber is possibly the best characterized and most accessible multiprotein cellular contractile machine. Here we develop a quantitative model of the structure and relaxation kinetics of stress fibers. The principal experimentally known features are incorporated. The fiber has a periodic sarcomeric structure similar to muscle fibers with myosin motor proteins exerting contractile force by pulling on actin filaments. In addition the fiber contains the giant spring-like protein titin. Actin is continuously renewed by exchange with the cytosol leading to a turnover time of several minutes. In order that steady state be possible, turnover must be regulated. Our model invokes simple turnover and regulation mechanisms: actin association and dissociation occur at filament ends, while actin filament overlap above a certain threshold in the myosin-containing regions augments depolymerization rates. We use the model to study stress fiber relaxation kinetics after stimulation, as observed in a recent experimental study where some fiber regions were contractile and others expansive. We find that two distinct episodes ensue after stimulation: the turnover–overlap system relaxes rapidly in seconds, followed by the slow relaxation of sarcomere lengths in minutes. For parameter values as they have been characterized experimentally, we find the long time relaxation of sarcomere length is set by the rate at which actin filaments can grow or shrink in response to the forces exerted by the elastic and contractile elements. Consequently, the stress fiber relaxation time scales inversely with both titin spring constant and the intrinsic actin turnover rate. The model's predicted sarcomere velocities and contraction–expansion kinetics are in good quantitative agreement with experiment.