Dresden 2006 – scientific programme
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AKB: Biologische Physik
AKB 40: Poster Session II
AKB 40.19: Poster
Wednesday, March 29, 2006, 16:30–19:30, P3
Towards surface-based model systems of the pericellular coat — •Ralf Richter1,2 and Joachim Spatz1,2 — 1University of Heidelberg, Department of Biophysical Chemistry, INF 253, D-69120 Heidelberg — 2Max-Planck-Institute for Metals Research, Department New Materials & Biosystems, Heisenbergstrasse 3, D-70569 Stuttgart
The pericellular coat of many cell types constitutes an intriguing self-organized system with multiple roles in cell division, migration, adhesion and signaling. The polysaccharide hyaluronan is a vital structural component of this strongly hydrated matrix. The nature of hyaluronan and its interaction with hyaluronan binding proteins determine the mechanical properties of the coat which are intimately related to its biological function.
Due to the complexity of living cells, the understanding of self-organization and mechanical properties of the pericellular coat in vivo or in vitro constitutes a considerable challenge. Complementary to investigations on living cells, simplified model systems can help to address specific questions in a controlled manner.
In our work, we aim to create models of the pericellular coat on flat supports. Our approach allows for the application of a whole range of surface sensitive label-free characterization techniques. The immobilization of hyaluronan on a solid-supported lipid membrane is an example of the envisaged bottom-up approach that allows the creation of models of increasing complexity that mimic various aspects of the pericellular coat. With these models we expect to gain information about the relationship between composition, structure and mechanics of the pericellular coat.