Dresden 2014 – scientific programme

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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 7: Posters: Cell adhesion, mechanics and migration

BP 7.21: Poster

Monday, March 31, 2014, 17:30–19:30, P3

Mechanical Properties of the Nucleus probed by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) — •Susanne Karsch and Florian Rehfeldt — 3rd Institute of Physics - Biophysics, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany

The nucleus, especially the nuclear envelope, consisting of two lipid bilayer membranes and a protein network made up by lamins, creates a specific microenvironment for the genome. Due to multiple connections with the cellular cytoskeleton, the nucleus is also mechanically interacting with the intra- and extra-cellular environment and plays a role in the mechano-sensing machinery. Experiments showed that the nucleus is several times stiffer than the cytoplasmic region, but the fundamental mechanical properties determining shape and structure are still poorly understood. Elucidating these properties is of high importance as it may impact gene expression and could be related to certain diseases. Biochemical modifications of cytoskeletal components can give hints how the nucleus interacts with the surrounding and subsequently varies its shape and mechanics. We measure mechanical properties of nuclei in cells and isolated nuclei by AFM to dissect contributions of the cytoskeleton. These measurements are complemented by confocal and fluorescent imaging to analyze and correlate the structure with mechanical properties.