Berlin 2018 – scientific programme
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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik
BP 15: Postersession III
BP 15.82: Poster
Tuesday, March 13, 2018, 14:00–16:00, Poster B
Can one hear the length of an axon? — •Frederic Folz1, Lukas Wettmann1, Giovanna Morigi1, and Karsten Kruse2 — 1Department of Theoretical Physics, Saarland University — 2Department of Biochemistry and Department of Theoretical Physics, University of Geneva
Axons are linear processes of nerve cells that can range from a few tens of micrometers up to meters in length. In addition to external cues, the length of an axon is also regulated by unknown internal mechanisms. Molecular motors have been suggested to generate oscillations with a length-dependent frequency that could be used to measure an axon's extension. Here, we present a model, describing a mechanism that uses such an oscillatory signal to regulate the axon length. We show that in addition to the frequency also the form of the oscillations contribute significantly to determining the steady state length. By disclosing the underlying working principle of the regulation mechanism, we are able to generalize its applicability to other biological systems.