Local dynamics and viscoelastic properties of cell biological systems

Yiider Tseng, Thomas P. Kole, Ssu Hsien J. Lee, Denis Wirtz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

How the cytoskeleton, a heterogeneous network of dynamic filamentous proteins, provides the cell with structural support is not well understood. Particle-tracking methods, which probe local mechanical properties, are well suited to test existing hypotheses derived from in vitro models of reconstituted cytoskeleton networks. This paper reviews recent applications of single- and multiple-particle tracking microrheology, with an emphasis on the semiflexible polymer F-actin and the flexible polymer keratin, two ubiquitous proteins of the cytoskeleton. Extensive knowledge of the properties of these polymers allows a rigorous comparison between theory and experiments to a level rarely matched by synthetic polymers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)210-217
Number of pages8
JournalCurrent Opinion in Colloid and Interface Science
Volume7
Issue number3-4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2002

Keywords

  • Cytoskeleton
  • F-Actin
  • Keratin
  • Microrheology
  • Particle tracking

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surfaces and Interfaces
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Local dynamics and viscoelastic properties of cell biological systems'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this