Regensburg 2007 – scientific programme

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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 25: Oscillatory Systems

BP 25.7: Talk

Thursday, March 29, 2007, 16:15–16:30, H44

Spontaneous shape oscillations in non-adherent fibroblasts — •Pramod Pullarkat — University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth-95440, Germany

Fibroblast cells which are maintained in suspension exhibit a dynamic shape instability resulting in sustained, periodic oscillations. This instability is due to the active, contractile nature of the cortical actin layer in these cells. We will discuss experiments aimed at understanding this dynamic instability. We will show how myosin motor activity and signaling via extracellular calcium plays a role in this process. We will also reveal some remarkable similarities between the oscillatory dynamics and the commonly observed blebbing dynamics in cells. Finally a 'working model' will be proposed for the observed phenomena.