Oscillatory instabilities of intracellular fiber networks (A09)

• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: from 2011 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 178321814

The aim of this project is to establish a biophysical understanding of the dynamics and self-organization that governs amoeboid cell motility. On the experimental side, we will move from the analysis of cell-averaged temporal dynamics to active manipulation, guidance, and control of the spatiotemporal dynamics inside cells, including motility studies in complex environments and confined geometries. On the theoretical side, we will design a detailed model of amoeboid motility based on a modular approach using a phase field description of the moving cell boundary. Model development will be guided by the experiments to test the theoretical predictions and to verify the model quantitatively.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 937: Collective Behaviour of Soft and Biological Matter
• Applicant Institution: Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
• Co-Applicant Institution: Max-Planck-Institut für Dynamik und Selbstorganisation (MPIDS); Universität Potsdam
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Carsten Beta; Professor Dr. Eberhard Bodenschatz