Abstract
We describe the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) in studies of cell adhesion and cell compliance. Our studies use the interaction between leukocyte function associated antigen-1 (LFA-1)/intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) as a model system. The forces required to unbind a single LFA-1/ICAM-1 bond were measured at different loading rates. This data was used to determine the dynamic strength of the LFA-1/ICAM-1 complex and characterize the activation potential that this complex overcomes during its breakage. Force measurements acquired at the multiple- bond level provided insight about the mechanism of cell adhesion. In addition, the AFM was used as a microindenter to determine the mechanical properties of cells. The applications of these methods are described using data from a previous study.
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Abbreviations
- AFM:
-
atomic force microscope
- LFA-1:
-
leukocyte function-associated antigen-1
- ICAM-1:
-
intercellular adhesion molecule-1
- PMA:
-
phorbol myristate acetate
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Published: January 15, 2004
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Wojcikiewicz, E.P., Zhang, X. & Moy, V.T. Force and compliance measurements on living cells using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Biol. Proced. Online 6, 1–9 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1251/bpo67
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1251/bpo67