Cell-geometry-dependent changes in plasma membrane order direct stem cell signalling and fate Articles uri icon

authors

  • Von Erlach, T.C.
  • Bertazzo, S.
  • Wozniak, M.A.
  • Horejs, C.-M.
  • Maynard, S.A.
  • Attwood, S.
  • Robinson, B.K.
  • Autefage, H.
  • Kallepitis, C.
  • RIO HERNANDEZ, ARMANDO EMETERIO DEL
  • Chen, C.S.
  • Goldoni, S.
  • Stevens, M.M.

publication date

  • March 2018

start page

  • 237

end page

  • 242

volume

  • 17

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1476-1122

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1476-4660

abstract

  • Cell size and shape affect cellular processes such as cell survival, growth and differentiation, thus establishing cell geometry as a fundamental regulator of cell physiology. The contributions of the cytoskeleton, specifically actomyosin tension, to these effects have been described, but the exact biophysical mechanisms that translate changes in cell geometry to changes in cell behaviour remain mostly unresolved. Using a variety of innovative materials techniques, we demonstrate that the nanostructure and lipid assembly within the cell plasma membrane are regulated by cell geometry in a ligand-independent manner. These biophysical changes trigger signalling events involving the serine/threonine kinase Akt/protein kinase B (PKB) that direct cell-geometry-dependent mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. Our study defines a central regulatory role by plasma membrane ordered lipid raft microdomains in modulating stem cell differentiation with potential translational applications.

subjects

  • Biology and Biomedicine

keywords

  • cell signalling; cellular imaging; mesenchymal stem cells; microscopy