Cytoskeletal self-organisation at fluid interfaces

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Karsten Kruse
• Co-Applicant: Professorin Dr. Anne Bernheim
• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: from 2011 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 185295462

The cytoskeleton is an active network of filamentous proteins, in particular, F-actin and microtubules. It determines the mechanical properties of a cell and plays important roles in many cellular processes, such as division, motility, and adhesion. These processes, in turn, rely on the action of proteins associated with the filament network, notably proteins regulating filament assembly, which determine important structural features of the network. Understanding the complex interplay between the cytoskeletal components that leads to a number of different dynamic patterns is a challenging emerging research topic in physics. While most research conducted till present has focused on the bulk properties of self-organizing systems, many vital cellular processes, such as cell division and motility, involve cytoskeletal dynamics close to fluid interfaces, such as lipid membranes. We propose an integrated experimental-theoretical project to improve our understanding of the fundamental physical principles governing cytoskeletal organization on fluid interfaces. Specifically, we propose to investigate the role of the fluid interface and of actin filament assembly/disassembly processes on the cooperative self-organization and patterning of actin networks under controlled conditions using synthetic in vitro model systems. Simultaneously, we will develop physical concepts and theoretical tools to describe these systems. The theoretical analysis will guide the design of experiments and point to key control parameters, while the data extracted from the experiments will provide useful input for the models as well as values of the system's parameters.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Israel