Viscoelastic Properties of Differentiating Blood Cells Are Fate- and Function-Dependent

Ekpenyong AE, Whyte G, Chalut K, Pagliara S, Lautenschlaeger F, Fiddler C, Paschke S, Keyser UF, Chilvers ER, Guck J (2012)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2012

Journal

PLoS ONE Public Library of Science

Book Volume: 7

Article Number: e45237

Journal Issue: 9

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045237

Abstract

Although cellular mechanical properties are known to alter during stem cell differentiation, understanding of the functional relevance of such alterations is incomplete. Here, we show that during the course of differentiation of human myeloid precursor cells into three different lineages, the cells alter their viscoelastic properties, measured using an optical stretcher, to suit their ultimate fate and function. Myeloid cells circulating in blood have to be advected through constrictions in blood vessels, engendering the need for compliance at short time-scales (minutes), compared to undifferentiated cells. These findings suggest that reduction in steady-state viscosity is a physiological adaptation for enhanced migration through tissues. Our results indicate that the material properties of cells define their function, can be used as a cell differentiation marker and could serve as target for novel therapies. © 2012 Ekpenyong et al.

Authors with CRIS profile

Jochen Guck

Involved external institutions

University of Cambridge GB United Kingdom (GB) Universität Ulm DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Ekpenyong, A.E., Whyte, G., Chalut, K., Pagliara, S., Lautenschlaeger, F., Fiddler, C.,... Guck, J. (2012). Viscoelastic Properties of Differentiating Blood Cells Are Fate- and Function-Dependent. PLoS ONE, 7(9). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0045237

MLA:

Ekpenyong, Andrew E., et al. "Viscoelastic Properties of Differentiating Blood Cells Are Fate- and Function-Dependent." PLoS ONE 7.9 (2012).

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