Mechanical anisotropy of adherent cells probed by a three-dimensional magnetic twisting device

Shaohua Hu, Luc Eberhard, Jianxin Chen, J. Christopher Love, James P. Butler, Jeffrey J. Fredberg, George M. Whitesides, Ning Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We describe a three-dimensional magnetic twisting device that is useful in characterizing the mechanical properties of cells. With the use of three pairs of orthogonally aligned coils, oscillatory mechanical torque was applied to magnetic beads about any chosen axis. Frequencies up to 1 kHz could be attained. Cell deformation was measured in response to torque applied via an RGD-coated, surface-bound magnetic bead. In both unpatterned and micropatterned elongated cells on extracellular matrix, the mechanical stiffness transverse to the long axis of the cell was less than half that parallel to the long axis. Elongated cells on poly-L-lysine lost stress fibers and exhibited little mechanical anisotropy; disrupting the actin cytoskeleton or decreasing cytoskeletal tension substantially decreased the anisotropy. These results suggest that mechanical anisotropy originates from intrinsic cytoskeletal tension within the stress fibers. Deformation patterns of the cytoskeleton and the nucleolus were sensitive to loading direction, suggesting anisotropic mechanical signaling. This technology may be useful for elucidating the structural basis of mechanotransduction.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)C1184-C1191
JournalAmerican Journal of Physiology - Cell Physiology
Volume287
Issue number5 56-5
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cytoskeleton
  • Mechanical deformation
  • Mechanotransduction
  • Prestress
  • Stress fibers

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Physiology

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