Astrocytes are responsible of neuronal protection and of many key functions in the nervous system activity. Studies on the mechanical properties of astrocytes have shown that their Young modulus (elasticity modulus) decreases in the presence of drugs, specially, actin synthesis inhibitors. Chagas disease, generated by the Trypanosome cruzi parasite, compromises the central nervous system, including the astrocytes. We are interested in studying the changes in astrocyte rigidity when they are invaded by the parasite by the use of AFM microscopy, which should shed light on the effects of this parasite.

Gerson Cote