AFM indentation study of breast cancer cells

作者：Li Q S; Lee G Y H; Ong C N; Lim C T^*

来源：Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2008, 374(4): 609-613.

DOI：10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.07.078

• atomic force microscopy
• confocal microscopy
• breast cancer disease
• cell mechanics
• elasticity
• Hertz'
• s contact model
• actin cytoskeleton
• stress fiber

Mechanical properties of individual living cells are known to be closely related to the health and function of the human body. Here, atomic force microscopy (AFM) indentation using a micro-sized spherical probe was carried out to characterize the elasticity of benign (MCF-10A)and cancerous (MCF-7) human breast epithelial cells. AFM imaging and confocal fluorescence imaging were also used to investigate their corresponding sub-membrane cytoskeletal structures. Malignant (MCF-7) breast cells were found to have an apparent Young';s modulus significantly lower (1.4-1.8 times) than that of their non-malignant (MCF-10A) counterparts at physiological temperature (37 degrees C), and their apparent Young';s modulus increase with loading rate. Both confocal and AFM images showed a significant difference in the organization of their sub-membrane actin structures which directly contribute to their difference in cell elasticity. This change may have facilitated easy migration and invasion of malignant cells during metastasis.

• 出版日期2008-10-3