PKC-induced stiffening of hyaluronan/CD44 linkage; local force measurements on glioma cells

Interaction of cells with hyaluronan (HA) rich extracellular matrix involves the membrane receptor CD44. HA–CD44 interactions are particularly important in the development of glioma pathogenesis for its implication in tumor cells spreading. Highly motile states rely on the spaciotemporal regulation of HA–CD44 interactions occurring in specific cytoskeletal-supported membrane organization such as microvilli or the leading edge observed in migrating cell. We used AFM-based force measurement to probe the HA–CD44 interaction at localized regions at the surface of living glioma cells expressing high level of the CD44 standard isoform. We show that unstimulated cells interact with HA over their entire su