Substance P Induces Rapid and Transient Membrane Blebbing in U373MG Cells in a p21-Activated Kinase-Dependent Manner
2011

Substance P Causes Membrane Blebbing in U373MG Cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Meshki John, Douglas Steven D., Hu Mingyue, Leeman Susan E., Tuluc Florin

Primary Institution: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute

Hypothesis

The study investigates the intracellular signaling mechanisms involved in membrane blebbing in U373MG cells and the role of tubulin and PAK in this process.

Conclusion

Substance P triggers rapid and transient membrane blebbing in U373MG cells through distinct intracellular signaling mechanisms compared to HEK293 cells.

Supporting Evidence

  • Substance P caused rapid and transient membrane blebbing in U373MG cells.
  • The blebs formed in U373MG cells were smaller and lasted for a shorter duration compared to those in HEK293 cells.
  • PAK phosphorylation was significantly increased in U373MG cells upon Substance P treatment.
  • Colchicine treatment blocked SP-induced blebbing in U373MG cells but not in HEK293 cells.

Takeaway

When a substance called Substance P is added to certain brain cells, they change shape quickly and temporarily, which is important for understanding how cells move.

Methodology

The study used confocal microscopy, real-time cell electronic sensing, and various pharmacological inhibitors to analyze the effects of Substance P on U373MG cells.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on two cell lines, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other cell types.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025332

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