Long-term imaging of cellular forces with high precision by elastic resonator interference stress microscopy

Kronenberg NM, Liehm P, Steude A, Knipper JA, Borger JG, Scarcelli G, Franze K, Powis SJ, Gather MC (2017)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Journal

Nature Cell Biology Nature Research

Book Volume: 19

Pages Range: 864-872

Journal Issue: 7

DOI: 10.1038/ncb3561

Abstract

Cellular forces are crucial for many biological processes but current methods to image them have limitations with respect to data analysis, resolution and throughput. Here, we present a robust approach to measure mechanical cell-substrate interactions in diverse biological systems by interferometrically detecting deformations of an elastic micro-cavity. Elastic resonator interference stress microscopy (ERISM) yields stress maps with exceptional precision and large dynamic range (2 nm displacement resolution over a >1 μm range, translating into 1 pN force sensitivity). This enables investigation of minute vertical stresses (<1 Pa) involved in podosome protrusion, protein-specific cell-substrate interaction and amoeboid migration through spatial confinement in real time. ERISM requires no zero-force reference and avoids phototoxic effects, which facilitates force monitoring over multiple days and at high frame rates and eliminates the need to detach cells after measurements. This allows observation of slow processes such as differentiation and further investigation of cells, for example, by immunostaining.

Authors with CRIS profile

Kristian Franze

Involved external institutions

University of St Andrews GB United Kingdom (GB) University of Cambridge GB United Kingdom (GB) University of Maryland US United States (USA) (US) University of Edinburgh GB United Kingdom (GB)

How to cite

APA:

Kronenberg, N.M., Liehm, P., Steude, A., Knipper, J.A., Borger, J.G., Scarcelli, G.,... Gather, M.C. (2017). Long-term imaging of cellular forces with high precision by elastic resonator interference stress microscopy. Nature Cell Biology, 19(7), 864-872. https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ncb3561

MLA:

Kronenberg, Nils M., et al. "Long-term imaging of cellular forces with high precision by elastic resonator interference stress microscopy." Nature Cell Biology 19.7 (2017): 864-872.

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