Obiettivo The cytoskeleton is a complex and highly dynamic network of protein filaments, motors, regulatory agents - such as cross-linkers or bundlers - and membranes, that gives eukaryotic cells their shape and mechanical strength and drives dynamic cell functions such as cell locomotion, division, and growth.I will explore how the microscopic structure and the active and passive dynamics of the cytoskeleton determine cellular mechanics. I aim towards a quantitative physical understanding of the molecular mechanisms of dynamic cell functions. This requires a dual approach, integrating in vitro studies of active cytoskeletal protein networks with in vivo investigations of cells.The influences of cross-linking and motor proteins on the microstructure and micromechanics of cytoskeletal networks will be studied using networks of reconstituted actin filaments. I will compare bundled and isotropically cross-linked actin networks, and study the non-equilibrium properties created by the activity of tension-generating motor proteins.Since the cytoskeleton is intrinsically heterogeneous it will be essential to use and develop microrheological techniques that can resolve local variations of mechanical properties on a micrometer scale. Colloidal probe particles will be inserted into in vitro networks and living cells (endothelial cells, fibroblasts, osteocytes, and neurons), and their thermal motion will be monitored with light microscopy, laser interferometry, and diffusing wave spectroscopy.I will use active manipulation of the probe particles with optical tweezers to examine the non-linear regime of the viscoelastic response. The project is highly interdisciplinary, since it integrates cell biology and biochemistry with soft condensed matter and polymer physics, statistical mechanics, and cutting-edge optical technology. Campo scientifico natural sciencesphysical sciencescondensed matter physicssoft matter physicsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsnatural sciencesbiological sciencescell biologynatural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsstatistical mechanics Parole chiave actin cell motility cytoskeleton motor proteins non-equilibrium system rheology semiflexible polymers Programma(i) FP6-MOBILITY - Human resources and Mobility in the specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration "Structuring the European Research Area" under the Sixth Framework Programme 2002-2006 Argomento(i) MOBILITY-2.2 - Marie Curie Outgoing International Fellowships (OIF) Invito a presentare proposte FP6-2002-MOBILITY-6 Vedi altri progetti per questo bando Meccanismo di finanziamento OIF - Marie Curie actions-Outgoing International Fellowships Coordinatore VERENIGING VOOR CHRISTELIJK WETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERWIJS Contributo UE Nessun dato Indirizzo De Boelelaan 1081 AMSTERDAM Paesi Bassi Mostra sulla mappa Collegamenti Sito web Opens in new window Costo totale Nessun dato Partecipanti (1) Classifica in ordine alfabetico Classifica per Contributo UE Espandi tutto Riduci tutto HARVARD UNIVERSITY Stati Uniti Contributo UE Nessun dato Indirizzo Oxford Street 29 CAMBRIDGE Mostra sulla mappa Collegamenti Sito web Opens in new window Costo totale Nessun dato
