Keratocyte lamellipodial protrusion is characterized by a concave force-velocity relation.

ABSTRACT: We report on the characterization of actin driven lamellipodial protrusion forces and velocities in keratocytes. A vertically mounted glass fiber acted as a flexible barrier positioned in front of migrating keratocytes with parallel phase contrast microscopy. A laser beam was coupled into the fiber and allowed detecting the position of the fiber by a segmented photodiode. Calibration of the fiber was carried out with the thermal oscillation method. Deflection and force signals were measured during lamellipodial protrusion. Velocity was constant during initial contact whereas loading force increased until finally the cell was stalled at higher forces. Stall forces were on the order of 2.9 ± 0.6 nN, which corresponds to a stall pressure of 2.7 ± 1.6 nN/μm(2). Assuming a density of actin fila

SUBMITTER: Heinemann F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3059597 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature