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Actin and microtubule crosslinkers roles in mobility and co-localization of filaments in a composite cytoskeletal network

ORAL

Abstract

Actin and microtubule filaments make a complex interacting network in the cell. This composite network has an essential role in various cell functions such as cell mobility and cell division. Here, we use fluorescent microscopy, fluctuations, and correlation analysis to explore the effect of the actin and microtubule crosslinkers in the cytoskeletal composite network. We systematically vary the amount of actin and microtubule crosslinkers, biotin–NeutrAvidin and MAP65 respectively, and measure the organization and fluctuation of the filaments. We find that the microtubule crosslinker plays the principle role in the organization of the system, while actin crosslinking tunes the mobility of the filaments. We previously showed that the fluctuations of filaments are related to the mechanics, implying that actin crosslinking controls the mechanical properties of the composite network.

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Presenters

  • Leila Farhadi

    Syracuse University, Physics, Syracuse University

Authors

  • Leila Farhadi

    Syracuse University, Physics, Syracuse University

  • Michael Rust

    University of Chicago, Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago

  • Moumita Das

    Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester Insititute of Technology, School of Physics and Astronomy, Rochester Institute of Technology

  • Rae M Robertson-Anderson

    University of San Diego, Department of Physics and Biophysics, University of San Diego, Biophysics, University of San Diego, Physics and Biophysics, University of SanDiego

  • Jennifer L Ross

    Syracuse University, Department of Physics, Syracuse University, Physics, Syracuse University