Robert Keane
University of Massachusetts, Amherst / Physics
Hosted by Dogic's Lab
“Determining the Network Mechanics of F-actin Microstructures”
Robert Keane, John Berezney, Zvonimir Dogic
Abstract
Strong biologically-based polymer networks contribute to the mechanical structure of the cell. One of these components is the protein actin which develops into bundles or extensive networks. The architecture of these networks at microscopic length scales plays a role in the macrostructural function of the networks. However, this role is not very well understood.
Here we create a gel with polymerizing actin monomers which contains polystyrene beads. The gel is imaged over a set time period using brightfield microscopy. Using a particle tracker, we then track the particles across the gel to describe the mechanics of the gel over the time scale of the polymerized network’s creation. Our initial results show restricted bead motion which indicates that the polymer network is forming. The properties of the gel we measure change as actin monomers polymerize and form networks of filamentous actin. This understanding allows for the recreation of this network system using other biopolymers like microtubules.
Support: MRSEC REU