Dresden 2014 – scientific programme

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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 7: Posters: Cell adhesion, mechanics and migration

BP 7.30: Poster

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

Observing lateral waves on cells of controlled morphology — •Julia Strübig, Erik Bernitt, and Hans-Günther Döbereiner — Institut für Biophysik, Universität Bremen, Germany

Much of the current research on cell motility focusses on the wave-like organization of actin and its effectors. In spreading fibroblasts, laterally moving waves can be observed directly before the cell changes from an isotropic to a polarized state. In order to achieve reproducible conditions we force cells into well-defined morphologies using micro-contact printing of spherical fibronectin substrates. Using phase contrast microscopy we observe cells exhibiting persistent wave propagation around their circumference. We find different types of these lateral waves of which excitation mechanisms and consequences are widely unknown. Our system allows us to study wave phenomena on cells in a controlled and reproducible manner.