title: Cell cytoskeleton and tether extraction.
abstract: We perform a detailed investigation of the force × deformation curve in tether extraction from 3T3 cells by optical tweezers. Contrary to conventional wisdom about tethers extracted from cells, we find that actin filaments are present within them, so that a revised theory of tether pulling from cells is called for. We also measure steady and maximum tether force values significantly higher than previously published ones for 3T3 cells. Possible explanations for these differences are investigated. Further experimental support of the theory of force barriers for membrane tube extension is obtained. The potential of studies on tether pulling force × deformation for retrieving information on membrane-cytoskeleton interaction is emphasized.
authors: Laboratório de Pinças Óticas da Coordenação de Programas de Estudos Avançados, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Pontes
authors: N B
authors: NB
authors: Viana
authors: L T
authors: LT
authors: Salgado
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Farina
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Moura Neto
authors: H M
authors: HM
authors: Nussenzveig
mesh_terms: D016475:3T3 Cells; D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000378:metabolism*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051379:Mice; D008863:Microspheres
chemical_list: D000199:Actins