We investigate properties of a reported new mechanism for cell-cell interactions, tunneling nanotubes (TNT's). TNT's mediate actin-based transfer of vesicles and organelles and they allow signal transmission between cells. The effects of lateral pulling with polystyrene beads trapped by optical tweezers on TNT's linking separate U-87 MG human glioblastoma cells in culture are described. This cell line was chosen for handling ease and possible pathology implications of TNT persistence in communication between cancerous cells. Observed nanotubes are shown to have the characteristic features of TNT's. We find that pulling induces two different types of TNT bifurcations. In one of them, termed V-Y bifurcation, the TNT is first distorted into a V-shaped form, following which a new branch emerges from the apex. In the other one, termed I-D bifurcation, the pulled TNT is bent into a curved arc of increasingly broader span. Curves showing the variation of pulling force with displacement are obtained. Results yield information on TNT structure and elastic properties.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00249-007-0184-9 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
The LINC Complex Regulates Tendon Elastic Modulus, Collagen Crimp, and Lateral Expansion During Early Postnatal Development.
J Orthop Res
March 2025
Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA.
There is limited understanding of how mechanical signals regulate tendon development. The nucleus has emerged as a major regulator of cellular mechanosensation via the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) protein complex. Specific roles of LINC in tenogenesis have not been explored.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAdaptive damage analysis method for ultimate bearing capacity of steel truss structures with box section.
Sci Rep
March 2025
Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of China Ministry of Education, School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
Traditional damage analysis of steel truss structures requires detailed finite element meshing, and there is a coupling between stress-strain and damage solving, resulting in complex damage analysis and massive computations. In this paper, the element bearing ratio (EBR) reflecting the bearing state of components was defined, and the concept of the element damage factor was introduced based on the principle of deformation energy conservation. A homogeneous generalized yield function (HGYF) for box-section components was constructed to establish adaptive damage factors and the criterion under multi-force combinations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTransforming end-of-life fishing nets into solutions for sustainable infrastructure: A strategy for circular development.
J Environ Manage
March 2025
GITECO Research Group, University of Cantabria, Av. Los Castros, 39005, Santander, Spain.
The inadequate management of end-of-life fishing nets generates serious environmental problems, affecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity. This study explores their reuse as modifiers in asphalt binders, promoting a circular economy model in road construction by improving recyclability. The results show that incorporating fishing nets (FN) increases the complex modulus (G∗), enhancing stiffness and resistance at high temperatures, particularly with 6% and 9% dosages.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFExploring the mechanism of fatty acids to improve 3D printing precision of cassava starch gel.
Food Res Int
April 2025
College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation and Health Benefit of Agro-Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety Risk Assessment of Agro-Products Storage and Preservation of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Ningbo Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Ningbo 315100, China. Electronic address:
Understanding the printability and underlying mechanisms of starch food systems is crucial for the industrial application of 3D food printing. This work investigated the effect of fatty acids with various degrees of unsaturation and chain lengths on the three-dimensional (3D) food printing precision of cassava starch (CS) gel and its mechanism. Results showed that fatty acids with shorter chain lengths and higher unsaturation levels improved printing precision.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFImpact of adjustable swelling dynamics on the structural integrity of sunflower pollen microgels.
Biomater Adv
February 2025
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore; Centre for Cross Economy, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore. Electronic address:
Pollen is a renewable biomaterial found in seed-bearing plants, and the biocompatibility of pollen microgels is a key factor driving their use in drug delivery, biosensor development, and wound care applications. Herein, the microgel was synthesized from sunflower bee pollen by using a cost-effective process, and to examine its structural integrity under adverse acidic and alkaline conditions, digital microscopy and dynamic image particle analysis were carried out. Swelling dynamics of pollen microgels were regulated by varying pH conditions, and adding aqueous KOH to the solution, and the influence of swelling-deswelling on bulk rheology and local elastic properties were experimentally investigated and theoretically interpreted by using the Ross-Minton equation for the suspension viscosity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!