Single-cell unroofing: probing topology and nanomechanics of native membranes

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel method for analyzing the topology and nanomechanics of native cell membranes, revealing differences across cell types and providing direct quantitative insights.

Contribution

A new technique was developed to investigate the topology and nanomechanics of native membranes from single cells, enabling detailed mechanical characterization.

Findings

Membrane thickness varies by 20% across cell types.

Neuron membranes are stiffer and less diffusive than brain cancer cell membranes.

The method provides direct, quantitative insights into native membrane mechanics.

Abstract

Cell membranes separate the cell interior from the external environment. They are constituted by a variety of lipids; their composition determines the dynamics of membrane proteins and affects the ability of the cells to adapt. Even though the study of model membranes allows to understand the interactions among lipids and the overall mechanics, little is known about these properties in native membranes. To combine topology and nanomechanics analysis of native membranes, I designed a method to investigate the plasma membranes isolated from a variety of single cells. Five cell types were chosen and tested, revealing 20\% variation in membrane thickness. I probed the resistance of the isolated membranes to indent, finding their line tension and spreading pressure. These results show that membranes isolated from neurons are stiffer and less diffusive than brain cancer cell membranes. This method gives direct quantitative insights on the mechanics of native cell membranes.