Differential Dynamic Microscopy of Active Actin-Microtubule Networks

POSTER

Abstract

The cytoskeleton is a non-equilibrium network of protein filaments, including semiflexible actin and rigid microtubules, as well as associated motor proteins that can dynamically rearrange the filaments. Here, we create co-entangled networks of microtubules and actin that exhibit active contractile dynamics driven by myosin II motors. We use multi-spectral confocal fluorescence microscopy and differential dynamic microscopy to determine the time-varying fluctuation decay times and contraction rates of the networks. We vary the concentrations of actin, microtubules and myosin to tune the dynamics from slow, organized contraction to disordered vortical flow. We also examine the impact of sample age on the non-equilibrium dynamics. Our findings shed light onto how the active composite cytoskeleton can finely tune its dynamics by varying the interactions between its constituents.

*Funding: W.M. Keck Foundation Research Grant

Presenters

  • gregor leech

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

Authors

  • gregor leech

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

  • Gloria Lee

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

  • 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

  • Jennifer L Ross

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

  • Ryan J. McGorty

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

  • 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