All articles tagged with #cytoskeleton
Expansion microscopy uses a diaper-inspired hydrogel to physically swell biological samples, enabling higher-resolution visualization of tiny cellular structures with standard microscopes. By improving dye penetration and preserving overall architecture, it democratizes microscopy and reveals detailed cytoskeletal diversity across species.
Researchers from the Brugués group at TU Dresden report in Nature a new mechanism for early embryonic cell division in yolk-rich cells: a mechanical ratchet that drives division without a fully closed actin contractile ring. By showing microtubule asters stiffen the cytoplasm during interphase and the cytoplasm becomes more fluid in M-phase, they find the actin band can ingress across multiple cell cycles, anchored by microtubules and re-stabilized when the cytoplasm stiffens again. This challenges textbook models and may apply broadly to yolk-rich embryos across species.
The study reveals that mechanical confinement in the tumor microenvironment induces stable chromatin and cytoskeletal changes in melanoma cells, promoting a neuronal, invasive phenotype characterized by HMGB2 upregulation, nuclear stiffening, and phenotype switching, which enhances tumor invasion and drug resistance.
Researchers at the University of Göttingen and ETH Zurich have discovered surprising properties of the cytoskeleton, specifically the two types of intermediate filaments found in mobile and stationary cells. Using optical tweezers, they found that vimentin filaments become softer and retain their length when stretched, while keratin filaments become longer and retain their stiffness. The results provide insights into the mechanical properties of different cell types and could inspire the design of new sustainable materials with tailored properties.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered that plant cells use the cytoskeleton, similar to animal stem cells, but with a twist. Instead of pulling on the cytoskeleton, plant cells push it away during division. This finding could have implications for engineering plants that are more adaptable to changing environments. The study focused on polarity complexes, which help dividing leaf stem cells orient themselves. By understanding how these complexes work, researchers hope to manipulate stem cell behavior to alter plant architecture and help plants adjust to a changing climate.