Opposites attract: Crosstalk between vimentin and microtubules - mechanical stab...
Opposites attract: Crosstalk between vimentin and microtubules - mechanical stability vs. dynamic adaptability
The cytoskeleton is mainly composed of actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. It is fundamentally important for many cellular processes, which is reflected in its morphological and functional diversity. In the past, in-d...
The cytoskeleton is mainly composed of actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. It is fundamentally important for many cellular processes, which is reflected in its morphological and functional diversity. In the past, in-depth analysis of actin and microtubule networks made it possible to reconstitute their diversity in vitro with astonishing precision. This enabled a detailed understanding of the mechanisms underlying actin and microtubule network formation, which are the basis for many cellular processes.
In contrast, our knowledge of intermediate filaments is still in its infancy, and we are far from rebuilding complex intermediate filament networks and their interactions with other cytoskeletal elements in vitro. As intermediate filaments are a major determinant of cellular resilience against mechanical stress and their mutations associate with diseases, detailed insight into intermediate filament network formation and properties will represent a milestone in cytoskeletal research.
The proposed project will be a major step in this direction. We focus on vimentin, the most ubiquitous member of the intermediate filament family. We will investigate the role of vimentin-microtubule crosstalk as well as the relation between network morphology and mechanical stress. How do these networks provide cells with mechanical stability, while being able to rapidly change their morphology? Through a combination of biochemical, structuring, and mechanical methods we will address this question, which is relevant in many biological systems – from subcellular structures to tissues and organisms.
In this way, CROSSTALK will pave the way towards a clearer picture of this heavily understudied cytoskeletal filament. It aims at integrated, mechanistic insight into the organization and (mechanical) functions of vimentin and its interactions with microtubules, which form the basis for understanding its role in many higher-order physiological and pathological processes.ver más
Seleccionando "Aceptar todas las cookies" acepta el uso de cookies para ayudarnos a brindarle una mejor experiencia de usuario y para analizar el uso del sitio web. Al hacer clic en "Ajustar tus preferencias" puede elegir qué cookies permitir. Solo las cookies esenciales son necesarias para el correcto funcionamiento de nuestro sitio web y no se pueden rechazar.
Cookie settings
Nuestro sitio web almacena cuatro tipos de cookies. En cualquier momento puede elegir qué cookies acepta y cuáles rechaza. Puede obtener más información sobre qué son las cookies y qué tipos de cookies almacenamos en nuestra Política de cookies.
Son necesarias por razones técnicas. Sin ellas, este sitio web podría no funcionar correctamente.
Son necesarias para una funcionalidad específica en el sitio web. Sin ellos, algunas características pueden estar deshabilitadas.
Nos permite analizar el uso del sitio web y mejorar la experiencia del visitante.
Nos permite personalizar su experiencia y enviarle contenido y ofertas relevantes, en este sitio web y en otros sitios web.