Can we refine the understanding of fundamental issues such as reptation and transport in crowded media, using the huge and semiflexible biomacromolecules, actin filaments?

Can we extend the knowledge obtained in those simple in vitro systems to the complex environment of living cells?

Can we comprehend the meaning of “non-equilibrium” in dynamics, by introducing mechanical stress to entangled actin networks and by taking advantage if biochemical reactions in living cells?

We have been trying to answer these questions by single molecule/particle tracking experiments and statistical analysis.

Two-photon scanning microscope images of epithelial cells (Marc 145) labeled with the fluorescent dye, Laurdan. The focus is at the basal side of the cell. The cells are in interphase. The color is coded according to the phase state of membrane: liquid order (red) and liquid disorder (blue). The image area is 65µm×65µm.

References

Back to Research