Biomechanics of Actin Networks Regulated by Physical Mechanisms

受物理机制调节的肌动蛋白网络的生物力学本课程旨在描述一种基本类型的蛋白丝f -肌动蛋白的物理特性，以及它们在细胞中形成的网络。该研究旨在从两个物理来源定义和评估带负电荷的蛋白丝之间的相互作用：取向有序和溶液静电。具体来说，实验计划定量确定在生理相关浓度下，相变和弱静电相互作用对f -肌动蛋白形态、运动和流变特性的影响。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特性和物理原理的理解。所获得的知识可能通过操纵与蛋白质聚集有关的特性而导致生物医学应用。从基础物理学的角度来看，具有物理性质的各种相互作用将被定量地定义。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，这些预测适用于一类涉及丝状大分子分层组装的重要系统。从材料科学的角度来看，通过这种特殊的研究系统获得的见解也有助于解释其他系统中类似的物理性质，这些系统涉及由带电和半柔性聚合物组成的溶液或凝胶。因此，该方案为一系列软材料的表征提供了一个总体策略。最后，该计划提供在纳米力学和生物科学之间的界面多学科研究的培训。采取合作的方式，为当地学校选定的理科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.