ePoster

Advancing mechanotransduction research: Development and evaluation of an affordable membrane-based cell stretching device

Pervin Rukiye Dincer, Nilüfer Boustanabadimaralan Düz, Samet Akar, Ismail Uyanik
FENS Forum 2024(2024)
Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, Vienna, Austria

Conference

FENS Forum 2024

Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, Vienna, Austria

Resources

Authors & Affiliations

Pervin Rukiye Dincer, Nilüfer Boustanabadimaralan Düz, Samet Akar, Ismail Uyanik

Abstract

Tensile force, characterized by stretching or pulling, is integral to tissue development due to its ability to shape and strengthen biological structures. During embryonic development, tensile forces guide cellular migration, proliferation, and differentiation, contributing to the formation of complex tissue architectures. In postnatal life, tensile forces continue to play a vital role in tissue remodeling and adaptation to mechanical loads, ensuring optimal tissue function and integrity. The alignment and organization of collagen fibers, for example, are influenced by tensile forces, contributing to the strength and elasticity of connective tissues like tendons and ligaments. Thus, the dynamic interplay between tensile force and cellular responses orchestrates the intricate process of tissue development and maintenance throughout an organism's lifespan.In this study, a new cell stretching device utilizing a membrane has been created to impose mechanical stress on cells. This device can apply biaxial stretching with varying degrees of magnitude (5–20%), frequencies (0.2–2 Hz), and patterns. To assess its effectiveness, the system was tested using q-PCR analysis to examine genes linked to mechanosensitivity, such as CTGF, C-MYC, and MYL9. The findings indicated increased expression of the MYL9 and CTGF genes in response to the stretching. Consequently, this affordable device has facilitated the study of how mechanical stress affects cells. Its adaptability across various cell types and tissues provides researchers with opportunities to deepen their understanding of disease-related processes, uncover the mechanisms involved in tissue regeneration after injury, and pinpoint effective pharmaceutical interventions. This study was funded by Hacettepe University BAP TOA-2023-20338.

Unique ID: fens-24/advancing-mechanotransduction-research-968e3f58