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SUMMARY:A model for controlled force transmission in the cytoskeleton - Ra
 phael Blumenfeld
DTSTART:20161013T110000Z
DTEND:20161013T120000Z
UID:TALK68129@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Salvatore Tesoro
DESCRIPTION:A model for force transmission through the cytoskeleton (CSK) 
 is presented. I first discuss the physical principles that underlie this p
 henomenon and argue that mediation of focused forces is essential for cont
 rol over mechanical signals. The difficulties of conventional continuous m
 odels in describing such mediation are traced to a fundamental assumption 
 rather than to their being continuous. Relevant advantages and disadvantag
 es of continuous and discrete modelling are discussed. It is concluded tha
 t favouring discrete models is based on two misconceptions\, which are cla
 rified. The model discussed here is based on the idea that focused propaga
 tion of mechanical stimuli over large distances can only occur when consid
 erable regions of the CSK are isostatic. The concept of isostaticity is th
 en explained and a recently developed continuous isostaticity theory is br
 iefly reviewed. \nThe model enjoys several advantages: it leads to good co
 ntrol over force mediation\; it explains nonuniform stresses and action at
  a distance\; it is continuous\, making it possible to model force propaga
 tion over long distances\; and it enables prediction of individual force p
 aths. To be isostatic\, or nearly so\, CSK networks must possess specific 
 structural characteristics\, and these are quantified. Finally\, several e
 xperimental observations are interpreted using the new model and implicati
 ons are discussed. It is also suggested that this approach may give insigh
 t into the dynamics of re-organisation of the CSK. Many of the results are
  amenable to experimental measurements\, providing a testing ground for th
 e proposed picture\, and generic experiments are suggested. 
LOCATION:TCM Seminar room\, 530 Mott building
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