Distinct impact of targeted actin cytoskeleton reorganization on mechanical properties of normal and malignant cells

The actin cytoskeleton is substantially modified in cancer cells because of changes in actin-binding protein abundance and functional activity. As a consequence, cancer cells have distinctive motility and mechanical properties, which are important for many processes, including invasion and metastasis. Here, we studied the effects of actin cytoskeleton alterations induced by specific nucleation inhibitors (SMIFH2, CK-666), cytochalasin D, Y-27632 and detachment from the surface by trypsinization on the mechanical properties of normal Vero and prostate cancer cell line DU145. The Young's modulus of Vero cells was 1300 ± 900 Pa, while the prostate cancer cell line DU145 exhibited significantly lower Young's moduli (600 ± 400 Pa). The Young's moduli exhibited a log-normal distribution for both cell lines. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells demonstrated diverse viscoelastic behavior and different responses to actin cytoskeleton reorganization. They were more resistant to specific formin-dependent nucleation inhibition, and reinforced their cortical actin after detachment from the substrate. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Mechanobiology. • Cancer DU145 cells demonstrate different viscoelastic properties than normal Vero cells. • Targeted actin cytoskeleton reorganization leads to a different mechanical response of malignant and normal cells. • The different response to actin cytoskeleton reorganization might be a diagnostic marker for cancer cells. • Data indicate that cortical actin plays a significant role in cancer cell mechanics.