A7.2025: The role of intermediate filaments in composite cytoskeletal networks at high strains
Collaborating PIs: Andreas Janshoff, Helmut Grubmüller, Anne Wald, Stefan Klumpp, Peter Sollich
Overarching research question: How does the non-linear behavior of IFs influence cytoskeletal network mechanics?
Single intermediate filaments are a much more stretchable than the other cytoskeletal components and can be extended up to at least 4-fold. Above 10-20% strain they behave in a highly non-linear manner. This interesting mechanical behavior is closely related to the non-equilibrium unfolding of protein structures. This intriguing finding raises the question of whether this property plays a role in the living cell. In this project we will move from single filaments to in vitro networks and whole cells, and study the contribution of intermediate filaments to the mechanical response of the active cytoskeleton. We employ several different methods to exert high strains on the networks, including optical tweezers, microfluidics, and atomic force microscopy. These studies will enable a better understanding of the intricate composite nature of the cytoskeleton when mechanically strained.
Core field: experimental biophysics
PhD training objectives: biophysical characterization methods (imaging, optical tweezers, AFM, microfluidics); microfluidics; biochemical methods (protein purification, handling, labeling); data analysis (image processing, force-strain data, machine learning); modeling (Monte Carlo simulations).