In this study, we showed that actin depolymerization by latrunculin treatment improves cell adhesion during airway reopening. This effect is likely due to viscous damping and reduced force transmission through the cell to focal adhesion sites. Actin stabilization by jasplakinolidc treatment also improves cell adhesion, most likely due to strengthening of cell-substrate attachment at focal adhesion sites. While these treatments are toxins, we also showed that the clinically relevant drug simvastatin can provide similar protective effects on cell adhesion and viability during airway reopening. We are currently investigating the effectiveness of other clinically relevant drugs with various effects on cell mechanics. We are also investigating the effects of these treatments on the inflammatory response to microbubble flow.
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