Morphological changes of plasma membrane and protein assembly during clathrin-mediated endocytosis

Cells communicate with their environments via the plasma membrane and various membrane proteins. Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) plays a central role in such communication and proceeds with a series of multiprotein assembly, deformation of the plasma membrane, and production of a membrane vesicle that delivers extracellular signaling molecules into the cytoplasm.* In the article “Morphological changes … Continue reading Morphological changes of plasma membrane and protein assembly during clathrin-mediated endocytosis

Interfacial water on collagen nanoribbons by 3D AFM

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in mammals. * Type I collagen in its fibril form has a characteristic pattern structure that alternates two regions called gap and overlap. The structure and properties of collagens are highly dependent on the water and mineral content of the environment. * In the article “Interfacial water on … Continue reading Interfacial water on collagen nanoribbons by 3D AFM

Stiffness Mediated-Mechanosensations of Airway Smooth Muscle Cells on Linear Stiffness Gradient Hydrogels

Airflow limitation in obstructive airway disease is characterized by narrowing of the airway lumen from excessive contraction of airway smooth muscle (ASM) and remodeling of the airway wall which includes changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the ASM layer.* Previous studies on human airway smooth muscle cells ( hASMC ) have independently assessed the … Continue reading Stiffness Mediated-Mechanosensations of Airway Smooth Muscle Cells on Linear Stiffness Gradient Hydrogels