Biomechanics of Actin Networks Regulated by Physical Mechanisms

由物理机制调控的肌动蛋白网络的生物力学这个程序试图表征一种基本类型的蛋白质细丝F-肌动蛋白的物理性质，以及它们在细胞中形成的模拟该网络的网络。这项研究旨在定义和评估来自两个物理来源的负电荷蛋白质细丝之间的相互作用：取向有序性和溶液静电学。具体地说，计划进行实验，以定量地确定在生理相关浓度下，相变和弱静电相互作用对F-肌动蛋白的形态、运动和流变性的影响。计划中的研究服务于几个相关的任务。从生物学的角度来看，它促进了对驱动蛋白质组装和相互作用的分子属性和物理原理的理解。所获得的知识可能会通过操纵与蛋白质聚集相关的属性而导致生物医学应用。从基础物理学的角度来看，各种具有物理性质的相互作用将被定量地定义。将要获得的实验数据对于测试理论处理和计算机模拟的预测至关重要，这些预测适用于涉及丝状大分子分级组装的一类重要系统。从材料科学的角度来看，通过这种特殊的研究体系获得的洞察力也有助于解释其他体系中类似的物理性质，这些体系涉及由带电聚合物和半柔性聚合物组成的溶液或凝胶。因此，该计划为一系列软材料的表征贡献了一种总体战略。最后，该计划在纳米力学和生物科学之间提供多学科研究方面的培训。我们采取合作的方式，为从当地学校挑选出来的理科学生和教师提供研究机会。

Biomechanics of Actin Network Regulated by Physical MechanismsThis program seeks to characterize physical properties of an essential type of protein filament, F-actin, and the network they form to mimic that in cells. The research aims at defining and assessing the interactions between the negatively charged protein filaments from two physical origins: orientational ordering and solution electrostatics. Specifically, experiments are planned to quantitatively determine the effects of phase transitions and weak electrostatic interactions on the morphology, motion, and rheological properties of F-actin under physiologically relevant concentrations. The planned research serves several related missions. From a biological perspective, it promotes understanding of the molecular properties and the physical principles that drive protein assembly and interactions. The knowledge acquired may lead to biomedical applications by manipulating properties related to protein aggregation. From the fundamental physics perspective, various interactions that are of physical nature will be quantitatively defined. The experimental data to be obtained will be crucial for testing predictions from theoretical treatments and computer simulations that are applicable to an important class of systems involving the hierarchical assembly of filamentous macromolecules. From a material science perspective, the insight acquired through this particular system of study is also useful for interpreting similar physical properties in other systems involving solutions or gels consisting of charged and semiflexible polymers. The program, therefore, contributes a general strategy to the characterization of a range of soft materials. Finally, the program provides training in multidisciplinary research at the interface between the nanoscale mechanics and biological science. A collaborative approach is taken to provide research opportunities to selected science students and teachers from local schools.