Berlin 2024 – scientific programme
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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik
BP 32: Tissue Mechanics II
BP 32.10: Talk
Thursday, March 21, 2024, 17:30–17:45, H 2032
Cytoplasmic streaming induces nuclear trafficking and signalling in Physarum polycephalum — •Johnny Tong1, Kaspar Wachinger1, Siyu Chen1, Nico Schramma2, and Karen Alim1 — 1School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Germany — 2University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Syncytial organisms and organs house hundreds of thousands of nuclei within a single cell, are often shaped into a complex network architecture. How are nuclei able to efficiently exchange signals over long distances? To understand how syncytia coordinate gene expression, intracellular transport within these networks is key. Here, we investigate how communication is achieved by flow-driven behaviours of nuclei functionally different regions of the network in Physarum polycephalum. Using microinjection of fluorescent dsDNA markers, followed by image-based methods such as tracking and velocimetry, we analyze the dynamics of nuclei and cytoplasm flow.
This dynamics of nuclei allows us to formulate a potential framework of how Physarum utilizes the two-phase flow profile and distribution of nuclei, which it enables a relay-like model for long-range signal propagation, where flowing nuclei act as carriers and trapped nuclei act as waypoints. Our findings could lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms of long-range genetic communication within network-shaped systems like fungi and placenta.
Keywords: Physarum polycephalum; Signaling; Intracellular transport