Actin filament length tunes elasticity of flexibly cross-linked actin networks

Citation:

Kasza, K. E. ; Broedersz, C. P. ; Koenderink, G. H. ; Lin, Y. C. ; Messner, W. ; Millman, E. A. ; Nakamura, F. ; Stossel, T. P. ; MacKintosh, F. C. ; Weitz, D. A. Actin filament length tunes elasticity of flexibly cross-linked actin networks. Biophysical Journal 2010, 99, 1091-1100. Copy at http://www.tinyurl.com/k2ozznm
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Abstract:

Networks of the cytoskeletal biopolymer actin cross-linked by the compliant protein filamin form soft gels that stiffen dramatically under shear stress. We demonstrate that the elasticity of these networks shows a strong dependence on the mean length of the actin polymers, unlike networks with small, rigid cross-links. This behavior is in agreement with a model of rigid filaments connected by multiple flexible linkers.

Publisher's Version

Last updated on 04/01/2021