Nonlinear Microscale Mechanics of Actin Networks Governed by Coupling of Filament Crosslinking and Stabilization.

ABSTRACT: Actin plays a vital role in maintaining the stability and rigidity of biological cells while allowing for cell motility and shape change. The semiflexible nature of actin filaments-along with the myriad actin-binding proteins (ABPs) that serve to crosslink, bundle, and stabilize filaments-are central to this multifunctionality. The effect of ABPs on the structural and mechanical properties of actin networks has been the topic of fervent investigation over the past few decades. Yet, the combined impact of filament stabilization, stiffening and crosslinking via ABPs on the mechanical response of actin networks has yet to be explored. Here, we perform optical tweezers microrheology measurements to characterize the nonlinear force response and relaxation dynamics of actin networks in the prese

SUBMITTER: Dwyer ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9696012 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature