Scientists find human erythrocyte deformation mechanism

-Tech report [] message: United States Ohio State University Li Kui study group for the first time at the molecular level to design a model that describes how the blood red blood cells from normal Oblate into bullet, across more than their normal diameter also small blood vessels. The results of the study published online in March 12, in the United States Academy of law.

Study on red blood cell objects from soft becomes almost liquefaction of forms that will help scientists better understand malaria, sickle-cell anaemia and spherical red blood cell anaemia.

Human erythrocytes in the 4 months of life to millions of times to squeeze through tiny capillaries so that transport oxygen, carbon dioxide and other waste removal. This is the life of the required procedures. Erythrocytes of about 8 microns in diameter, they flow process, often through diameter only 2 Micron artery. Red blood cell will stretch into bullet shape, and then through the blood vessels, the cost of recovery to the Oblate.

Li Kui research group design of this model, the red blood cell of the cytoskeleton in the deformation process has played an important role. Each has a red blood cells, which consists of a name of "spectrin" protein molecular composition, with a similar structure of the brush attached to the inside of the cell membrane. When this layer of protein structure between key then rupture or the layer structure and cell membrane adhesion between the crack, cells become more flexible, so that through the narrow channel.

The researchers found that change or because two spectrin molecules between key is broken, or because the spectrin and a cell membrane of actin key is broken. And put the mechanical force (such as extrusion or cut) or chemical energy (ATP), is sufficient to break the bonds, which in turn caused the deformation of the cytoskeleton.

The researchers will use the model for further study of blood diseases, including malaria, sickle-cell anaemia and spherical red blood cell anaemia. In malaria, cells of the parasite will change the cell membrane and cell skeleton, so that the cells lose their elasticity, unable to pass through the blood vessels. In sickle cell anemia, red blood cells become sickle, and in the sphere of anaemia in red blood cells, red blood cells become spherical, and thus are not work through the blood vessels.

Dr. Lee Kui 1994 graduated from the University of juvenile class. 2000 MIT PhD in nuclear engineering technology Department, the Department after postdoctoral research in 2002 as an Assistant Professor in the Ohio State University. United States Institute of materials received in 2006 the young scientist award.