3D modeling of cargo motility on microtubule networks

Microtubules tend to form complex 3D networks in many cells. Experimentally modeling full 3D network complexity has been a challenge to date because microtubule networks are rather sparse and structured and often do not form a true hydrogel. We report a novel approach to creating 3D filament networks in vitro using holographic optical trapping and we further report the first experimental study of cargo navigation across a minimal 3D microtubule network under controlled conditions. We will discuss a theoretical model which captures the key experimental observations and the avenues for future research.