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A Bond for a Lifetime: Employing Membrane Nanotubes from Living Cells to Determine Receptor–Ligand Kinetics
Author(s) -
Krieg Michael,
Helenius Jonne,
Heisenberg CarlPhilipp,
Muller Daniel J.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 1433-7851
DOI - 10.1002/anie.200803552
Subject(s) - ligand (biochemistry) , membrane , kinetics , receptor , nanotechnology , chemistry , biophysics , materials science , biology , physics , biochemistry , quantum mechanics
The name's Bond : Separated cells form membranous nanotubes whose tips are tethered by adhesive bonds (see picture). The lifetime of receptor–ligand interactions can be measured by using membrane nanotubes of living cells as constant force actuators. Because the nanotubes are extruded from living cells at conditions approaching the physiological, cellular processes can be both studied and utilized.