Actin dynamics and the elasticity of cytoskeletal networks

Buxton, GA; Clarke, N; Hussey, PJ

doi:10.3144/expresspolymlett.2009.72

Actin dynamics and the elasticity of cytoskeletal networks

Buxton, GA; Clarke, N; Hussey, PJ

Authors

GA Buxton

N Clarke

Professor Patrick Hussey p.j.hussey@durham.ac.uk
Professor

Abstract

The structural integrity of a cell depends on its cytoskeleton, which includes an actin network. This network is transient and depends upon the continual polymerization and depolymerization of actin. The degradation of an actin network, and a corresponding reduction in cell stiffness, can indicate the presence of disease. Numerical simulations will be invaluable for understanding the physics of these systems and the correlation between actin dynamics and elasticity. Here we develop a model that is capable of generating actin network structures. In particular, we develop a model of actin dynamics which considers the polymerization, depolymerization, nucleation, severing, and capping of actin filaments. The structures obtained are then fed directly into a mechanical model. This allows us to qualitatively assess the effects of changing various parameters associated with actin dynamics on the elasticity of the material.

Citation

Buxton, G., Clarke, N., & Hussey, P. (2009). Actin dynamics and the elasticity of cytoskeletal networks. Express polymer letters, 3(9), 579-587. https://doi.org/10.3144/expresspolymlett.2009.72

Journal Article Type	Article
Publication Date	Jan 1, 2009
Deposit Date	May 18, 2017
Publicly Available Date	May 18, 2017
Journal	eXPRESS Polymer Letters
Publisher	BME-PT
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	3
Issue	9
Pages	579-587
DOI	https://doi.org/10.3144/expresspolymlett.2009.72