Penicillin-streptomycin influences macrophage mechanical properties and microenvironment mechano-sensation.

ABSTRACT: Penicillin-streptomycin (pen-strep) is routinely included in cell culture media, yet its impact on macrophage mechanics has not been systematically examined. Here, we show that pen-strep treatment increases macrophage stiffness in a time-dependent manner, while adhesion strength is only transiently affected. Morphological analysis revealed that pen-strep promotes cell spreading on PDMS rubber, collagen I, laminin, poly-amino acids, and poly-RGD peptides, but reduces spreading on type IV collagen, indicating altered extracellular matrix sensing in a context-dependent fashion. Gene expression assays further demonstrated upregulation of YAP-1 and TAZ and downregulation of β1 integrin, consistent with reprogramming of mechanotransduction pathways. Consequently, pen-strep elevated intracellular

SUBMITTER: Hu S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12816849 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature