Human mammary epithelial cells in a mature, stratified epithelial layer flatten and stiffen compared to single and confluent cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The epithelium forms a protective barrier against external biological, chemical and physical insults. So far, AFM-based, micro-mechanical measurements have only been performed on single cells and confluent cells, but not yet on cells in mature layers.

Methods

Using a combination of atomic force, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, we determined the changes in stiffness, morphology and actin distribution of human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) as they transition from single cells to confluency to a mature layer.

Results

Single HMECs have a tall, round (planoconvex) morphology, have actin stress fibers at the base, have diffuse cortical actin, and have a stiffness of 1 kPa. Confluent HMECs start to become flatter, basal actin stress fibers start to disapp

SUBMITTER: Lee H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8052296 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature