Spatial constraints on cytoskeletal organization

F-actin is a cytoskeletal biopolymer involved in cellular shape changes. Actin is a stiff polymer, with a persistence length and contour length similar to the size of typical plant and animal cells. We expect the self-organization of the actin cortex to be influenced by the confinement imposed by the cell membrane. To study this issue, we use an in vitro model system to mimic the cell boundaries. We polymerize purified actin inside sealed microchambers and perform confocal microscopy. The microchambers are made by photolithography in the AMOLF NanoCenter. We can vary the shape, size, and depth of the chambers.

More information: José Alvarado
Collaborations: Ioana Garlea and Bela Mulder