Visualizing and analyzing the cortex of a living cell by high-speed atomic force microscopy

Abstract

We have established a hybrid live-cell imaging system by combining high-speed atomic force microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. We have demonstrated that morphological changes of the plasma membrane during clathrin-mediated endocytosis and dynamics of cortical actin network could be visualized and analyzed with this system in a living cell. By utilizing this technique, together with a stretchable cell-culture chamber made of PDMS, we tried to elucidate how these dynamics and processes are sensing and responding to external mechanical stimulation.