Ezrin is a Major Regulator of Membrane Tension in Epithelial Cells.

ABSTRACT: Plasma membrane tension is responsible for a variety of cellular functions such as motility, cell division, and endocytosis. Since membrane tension is dominated by the attachment of the actin cortex to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, we investigated the importance of ezrin, a major cross-linker of the membrane-cytoskeleton interface, for cellular mechanics of confluent MDCK II cells. For this purpose, we carried out ezrin depletion experiments and also enhanced the number of active ezrin molecules at the interface. Mechanical properties were assessed by force indentation experiments followed by membrane tether extraction. PIP2 micelles were injected into individual living cells to reinforce the linkage between plasma membrane and actin-cortex, while weakening of this connection w

SUBMITTER: Rouven Bruckner B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4592969 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature