Regensburg 2007 – scientific programme
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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik
BP 26: Poster Session II
BP 26.18: Poster
Thursday, March 29, 2007, 17:00–19:30, Poster B
Hydrodynamic flow-induced protein movement on cell surfaces: African trypanosomes as a model — •Eric Stellamanns1, Niko Heddergott2, Markus Engstler2, and Thomas Pfohl1 — 1Max PIanck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Bunsenstr. 10, 37037 Göttingen, Germany — 2Technical University of Darmstadt, Department of Cellular Dynamics, Schnittspahnstr. 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
African trypanosomes are mammalian bloodstream parasites in e.g. cattle, buffalo, or humans. Therefore, they live in a viscous environment of low Reynolds numbers. Being able to survive the mammalian immune response and to reproduce in such conditions, trypanosomes have evolved effective defense mechanisms combined with highly adapted modes of motility. Using microfluidics in combination with fluorescence and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy, we study the motility of trypanosomes relating to protein dynamics on the trypanosome membrane surface. Being able to mimic natural flow conditions with highly defined gradients of proteins, particles, or cells in a spatiotemporal manner, we can illuminate different biophysical aspects of life on the micrometer scale without restricting the mobility of cells.