Measuring mechanodynamics in an unsupported epithelial monolayer grown at an air-water interface.

ABSTRACT: Actomyosin contraction and relaxation in a monolayer is a fundamental biophysical process in development and homeostasis. Current methods used to characterize the mechanodynamics of monolayers often involve cells grown on solid supports such as glass or gels. The results of these studies are fundamentally influenced by these supporting structures. Here we describe a new method for measuring the mechanodynamics of epithelial monolayers by culturing cells at an air-liquid interface. These model monolayers are grown in the absence of any supporting structures, removing cell-substrate effects. This method's potential was evaluated by observing and quantifying the generation and release of internal stresses upon actomyosin contraction (800 ± 100 Pa) and relaxation (600 ± 100 Pa) in response to

SUBMITTER: Gullekson C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5221614 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature