• Search Research Projects
  • Search Researchers
  • How to Use
  1. Back to project page

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

Imaging myosin-driven stress fiber contraction with molecular resolution by high-speed AFM

Research Project

  • PDF
Project/Area Number 20H03218
Research Category

Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)

Allocation TypeSingle-year Grants
Section一般
Review Section Basic Section 43040:Biophysics-related
Research InstitutionKanazawa University

Principal Investigator

Franz Clemens  金沢大学, ナノ生命科学研究所, 准教授 (50837664)

Project Period (FY) 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
KeywordsAFM / SICM / myosin / actin / stress fiber / contractility
Outline of Final Research Achievements

By combining cell de-roofing and HS-AFM imaging, this project established a method to image contracting actin stress fibers (SFs) to near molecular resolution within native cellular environments. Achieving these goals required (1) the development of suitable de-roofing methods, (2) establishment of an ultrawide scanner system for large resolution HS-AFM imaging in combination with fluorescence microscopy, and (3) developing an optimized AFM tip design for imaging highly corrugated intracellular structures. Ultrawide HS-AFM scanning generated the first molecular-resolution maps of entire native SFs, providing novel insight into SF ultrastructure. Furthermore, arrangement and conformational changes of individual non-muscle myosin II motors during SF contraction could be visualized for the first time. In parallel, SICM imaging was also adapted for intracellular imaging in de-roofed cells for the first time, providing additional structural and mechanical insight into SF contraction.

Free Research Field

Bioimaging

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

アクチンストレスファイバー(SF)の収縮は、マトリックス接着、遊走、メカノセンシングなど、多くの細胞プロセスに影響を与える一方、SF機能の誤制御は、アテローム性動脈硬化症、骨粗鬆症、がんなどの疾患の原因となりうる。このプロジェクトで得られたSFの超微細構造とSF収縮を駆動する分子メカニズムに関する新たな知見は、SFの正常および異常機能についての理解を広げるものである。

URL: 

Published: 2025-01-30  

Information User Guide FAQ News Terms of Use Attribution of KAKENHI

Powered by NII kakenhi