KerNet, 3D fluorescence and segmentation datasets of keratin networks from MDCK, HaCaT, and RPE cells

Mechanobiology requires precise quantitative spatial information on
processes taking place in specific 3D microenvironments. Connecting
microscopical, molecular, biochemical and cell mechanical data with
defined topologies has turned out to be extremely difficult. Establishing
such structural and functional 3D maps is particular challenging for the
cytoskeleton, which consists of long and interwoven filamentous polymers
coordinating subcellular processes and interactions of cells with their
environment. Here we present raw data and processed segmented data of
fluorescence-tagged keratin intermediate filaments from MDCK, HaCaT and
RPE epithelial cells. The 30 datasets contain unprocessed airyscan
superresolution 3D image data and numerical network data of the 3D
arrangement of the keratin intermediate filament cytoskeleton. Information
is provided on network organization at the subcellular level, including
mesh arrangement, density and isotropic configuration as well as details
on filament morphology such as bundling, curvature and orientation. The
datasets contain data in exchange format for 3d software packages.
Comparison of the resulting network parameters helps to identify
similarities and differences of keratin network organization in epithelial
cell types. The described approach and the presented data are pivotal for
generating mechanobiological models that can be experimentally tested.