Intracellular hydrogelation preserves fluid and functional cell membrane interfaces for biological interactions

Jung-Chen Lin, Chen-Ying Chien, Chi-Long Lin, Bing-Yu Yao, Yuan-I Chen, Yu-Han Liu, Zih-Syun Fang, Jui-Yi Chen, Wei-ya Chen, No-No Lee, Hui-Wen Chen and Che-Ming J. Hu ()
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Jung-Chen Lin: Academia Sinica
Chen-Ying Chien: Academia Sinica
Chi-Long Lin: Academia Sinica
Bing-Yu Yao: Academia Sinica
Yuan-I Chen: Academia Sinica
Yu-Han Liu: Academia Sinica
Zih-Syun Fang: Academia Sinica
Jui-Yi Chen: Academia Sinica
Wei-ya Chen: Academia Sinica
No-No Lee: Academia Sinica
Hui-Wen Chen: National Taiwan University
Che-Ming J. Hu: Academia Sinica

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Cell membranes are an intricate yet fragile interface that requires substrate support for stabilization. Upon cell death, disassembly of the cytoskeletal network deprives plasma membranes of mechanical support and leads to membrane rupture and disintegration. By assembling a network of synthetic hydrogel polymers inside the intracellular compartment using photo-activated crosslinking chemistry, we show that the fluid cell membrane can be preserved, resulting in intracellularly gelated cells with robust stability. Upon assessing several types of adherent and suspension cells over a range of hydrogel crosslinking densities, we validate retention of surface properties, membrane lipid fluidity, lipid order, and protein mobility on the gelated cells. Preservation of cell surface functions is further demonstrated with gelated antigen presenting cells, which engage with antigen-specific T lymphocytes and effectively promote cell expansion ex vivo and in vivo. The intracellular hydrogelation technique presents a versatile cell fixation approach adaptable for biomembrane studies and biomedical device construction.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09049-5

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