Three-dimensional imaging of force-generating molecular networks inside of cells using cryo-electron tomography

Dynamic networks of cytoskeletal polymers commonly take part in generating fundamental cellular forces. In order to understand the mechanical role of these cytoskeletal networks in development and disease, multimodal information across multiple dimensions and scales need to be integrated. In this presentation, I will briefly overview the protein components that make and regulate these cytoskeletal networks, and talk about how my lab is using live-cell imaging and cryo-electron tomography to study these molecules in the context of neuronal outgrowth.