Events

How Cells Use Chemistry and Physics to Break the Bones That Power Their Movement

Presented by Prof. De La Cruz
Hosted by Prof. Ruben Gonzalez, Jr.

Abstract:
The actin cytoskeleton, a dynamic and branched network of protein filaments that behave as semiflexible polymers on cellular length scales, generates forces that power essential cellular functions, including cell motility and endocytosis. Growing networks of assembled filaments experience variable resistance and respond by adapting growth speed, power, and architecture. I will present biophysical and biochemical studies showing how mechanical forces reorganize branched filament networks assembled with the Arp 2/3 complex and how its nucleotide hydrolysis cycle (ATPase) regulates remodeling. I will also present studies of how single filaments respond to applied twisting and pulling loads, which helps explain how forces generated by contractile motor proteins accelerate filament severing by regulatory proteins.