Mechanical properties of epithelial cells in domes investigated using atomic force microscopy

• DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1245296
• Publication Date: 2023-11-15T07:43:15Z
• Authors: Kenta Shigemura; Kaori Kuribayashi...; Ryosuke Tanaka; Haruka Yamasaki; Takaharu Okajima
• Keywords: Microscale chemistry; Dome (geology); Lumen (anatomy)

As epithelial cells in vitro reach a highly confluent state, the often form microscale dome-like architecture that encloses fluid-filled lumen. The domes are stabilized by mechanical stress and luminal pressure. However, properties of remain poorly characterized at single-cell level. In this study, we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to measure forming domes. AFM showed apparent Young's modulus was significantly higher when compared with surrounding monolayer. also stiffness tension were positively correlated apical cell area, depending on degree stretching. This correlation disappeared actin filaments depolymerized or ATPase activity myosin II inhibited, which led large fluctuation dome formation. results indicated heterogeneous actomyosin structures organized stretching single played crucial role stabilizing Our findings provide new insights into three-dimensional deformable tissue explored using