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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 30: Posters: Physics of Cells

BP 30.9: Poster

Thursday, March 17, 2011, 17:15–20:00, P3

Mechanical Characteristics of Primary Cilia — •Christopher Battle and Christoph F. Schmidt — Drittes Physikalisches Institut, Georg-August Universitaet, Goettingen, Germany

Recent studies have shown that the primary cilium, long thought to be a vestigial cellular appendage with no function, has remarkable sensory abilities. One system of interest, from both a biophysical and medical standpoint, is the primary cilium of kidney epithelial cells, which has been demonstrated to act as a flow sensor. The mechanics of this structure is expected to influence the mechano-electrochemical response that characterizes biological ciliary function. We have developed cell cultures that allow us to visualize and manipulate primary cilia. We explore the mechanical properties of cilia using optical trapping and fluorescence microscopy.