Rapid and reversible optical switching of cell membrane area by an amphiphilic azobenzene

Fabian Höglsperger, Bart E. Vos, Arne D. Hofemeier, Maximilian D. Seyfried, Bastian Stövesand, Azadeh Alavizargar, Leon Topp, Andreas Heuer, Timo Betz () and Bart Jan Ravoo ()
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Fabian Höglsperger: University of Münster
Bart E. Vos: University of Göttingen
Arne D. Hofemeier: University of Göttingen
Maximilian D. Seyfried: University of Münster
Bastian Stövesand: University of Münster
Azadeh Alavizargar: University of Münster
Leon Topp: University of Münster
Andreas Heuer: University of Münster
Timo Betz: University of Göttingen
Bart Jan Ravoo: University of Münster

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Cellular membrane area is a key parameter for any living cell that is tightly regulated to avoid membrane damage. Changes in area-to-volume ratio are known to be critical for cell shape, but are mostly investigated by changing the cell volume via osmotic shocks. In turn, many important questions relating to cellular shape, membrane tension homeostasis and local membrane area cannot be easily addressed because experimental tools for controlled modulation of cell membrane area are lacking. Here we show that photoswitching an amphiphilic azobenzene can trigger its intercalation into the plasma membrane of various mammalian cells ranging from erythrocytes to myoblasts and cancer cells. The photoisomerization leads to a rapid (250-500 ms) and highly reversible membrane area change (ca 2 % for erythrocytes) that triggers a dramatic shape modulation of living cells.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39032-0

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