Pattern formation in the actin cortex of motile cells (A11)

• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: from 2011 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 178321814

Force generation and contractility of heart muscle relies on the highly organized acto-myosin complex of the sarcomere. Here, we will study the role of local variations in the sarcomere spacings and orientations within cells and tissues, as well as the changes in its structure with cell maturation state. We also plan to delineate the differences between natural and engineered heart tissue. Finally, we will image the structural dynamics of cellular contraction by resolving acto-myosin organization as well as measuring the local calcium concentration in three dimensions and in a time-resolved manner. To this end, we will make use of advanced and correlative x-ray and visible light microscopy.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 937: Collective Behaviour of Soft and Biological Matter
• Applicant Institution: Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
• Co-Applicant Institution: Max-Planck-Institut für Dynamik und Selbstorganisation (MPIDS)
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Eberhard Bodenschatz, until 12/2018; Professor Dr. Jörg Enderlein; Professor Dr. Tim Salditt