A journey through cellular mechanobiology using Atomic Force Spectroscopy

Cells sense and transduce mechanical stimuli into morphological and biochemical responses that are crucial for regulating a wide range of cellular functions. This dynamic process involves the reorganization of subcellular components, such as the actin cortex, cytoskeleton, and plasma membrane, leading to measurable changes in mechanical properties like stiffness, viscosity, and viscoelasticity, which reflect the physiological or pathological state of the cell. Among various techniques used in mechanobiology, Atomic Force Spectroscopy (AFS) stands out as a powerful and versatile tool for quantifying cellular mechanical properties and investigating mechanotransduction events.
Here, I will discuss how AFS can be applied to study the behavior of mechanosensitive ion channels and to investigate the mechanical properties of oocytes and sperm cells. This latter aspect highlights how mechanical profiling not only enhances our understanding of cellular function but also opens new perspectives for defining mechanical parameters that could improve cell selection in assisted reproductive technologies.