Regensburg 2013 – scientific programme

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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 32: Cell Adhesion and Mechanics

BP 32.2: Talk

Friday, March 15, 2013, 09:45–10:00, H43

Mechanical Properties & Active Fluctuations of Primary Cilia — •Christopher Battle and Christoph F. Schmidt — Drittes Physikalisches Institut, Georg-August Universitaet, Goettingen, Germany

Recent studies have shown that the primary cilium, long thought to be a vestigial cellular appendage with no function, is involved in a multitude of sensory functions. One example, interesting from both a biophysical and medical standpoint, is the primary cilium of kidney epithelial cells, which acts as a mechanosensitive flow sensor. Genetic defects in ciliary function can cause, e.g., polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The mechanical properties of these non-motile, microtubule-based 9+0 cilia, and the way they are anchored to the cell cytoskeleton, are important to know if one wants to understand the mechano-electrochemical response of these cells, which is mediated by their cilia. Using optical traps and DIC/fluorescence microscopy we probe the mechanical properties, cellular anchoring conditions, and dynamics of the cilia of canine kidney epithelial cells (MDCK), finding evidence for non-equilibrium, active fluctuations.