Group leader: Dr. Gijsje Koenderink

The central goal of our research is to reveal the role of the cytoskeleton in determining the remarkable structure and strength of cells. To this end, we perform quantitative biophysical experiments on simplified model systems. We aim to obtain basic physical insights into cell biology, while at the same time learning new design principles for bio-inspired materials.

Cells have mechanical properties unlike any man-made materials. They are mechanically strong but at the same time adaptable. This allows cells to survive large deformations while also allowing them to move and respond to their environment. This remarkable behavior is made possible by an internal cytoskeleton consisting of protein polymers and associated proteins that regulate network microstructure and connectivity. The cytoskeleton actively generates forces by motor contractility and active growth and shrinkage of the protein filaments. This allows cells to crawl through the extracellular matrix and to apply forces on the matrix during tissue development and wound healing. We study the cytoskeleton and its interaction with the extracellular matrix using biomimetic models of purified cytoskeletal proteins as well as 3D collagen gels with embedded tissue cells.

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