STED/AFM as a tool to investigate mechanical and adhesive properties of migrating keratinocytes

Radeva, Mariya Y.; Waschke, Jens ; Fuchs, Michael (2026): STED/AFM as a tool to investigate mechanical and adhesive properties of migrating keratinocytes. Cell Adhesion & Migration, 20 (1): 2657675. ISSN 1933-6918

Abstract

E-cadherin is a key component of adherens junctions which maintains epithelial integrity. In keratinocytes, wound healing requires dynamic modulation of adhesion and cytoskeletal organization. Using a wound healing assay combined with stimulated emission depletion/atomic force microscopy (STED/AFM), we analysed E-cadherin binding during murine keratinocyte migration. Wound closure occurred within 6 h and was accompanied by E-cadherin accumulation at the leading edge. Transient expression of E-Cadherin-SNAP enabled investigation of E-cadherin interactions. Inhibition of actin polymerization abolished E-cadherin binding and reduced cellular stiffness. Imaging of SiR-actin-labeled cells enabled simultaneous visualization of migration and measurement of binding and mechanical properties. E-cadherin retained functional binding properties during migration. These findings establish STED/AFM as a powerful method to investigate single-molecule binding properties in migrating cells.

• Doc-Type: Article (LMU)
• Organisational unit (Faculties): 07 Medicine > Anatomic Institute
• DFG subject classification of scientific disciplines: Life sciences
• DFG: Funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) - 491502892
• DFG: Funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) - 547068789