摘要
In order to assess the role of cytoskeletal structure in modulating cell surface topography during cell transformation, we investigated cytoskeletal organization of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells at different thermal gradients. Specifically, we examined actin polymerization as a function of temperature in a controlled thermal environment. After applying an increase in temperature of 5 °C, we observed fewer actin filaments in the network, as these molecular polymers depolymerized. Partial stress fibers of MDCK cells could be rearranged, but some of them were disrupted irreversibly after a second thermal treatment, and MDCK cells underwent apoptosis at higher temperatures as well. © 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.