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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 23: Cytoskeleton (joint BP/CPP)

BP 23.11: Talk

Wednesday, April 2, 2014, 12:30–12:45, HÜL 386

Circular Dorsal Ruffles — •Erik Bernitt and Hans-Günther Döbereiner — Institut für Biophysik, Universität Bremen, 28334 Bremen

Circular Dorsal Ruffles (CDRs) are actin-based structures that form at the dorsal side of adherent cells like, e.g., fibroblasts. CDRs are usually of a ring-like morphology and exhibit a soliton-like propagation. We are interested in the underlying mechanism that leads to CDR formation and propagation. We observe a rich set of phenomena that allows to draw conclusions on the underlying processes. Among them are periodic formations of CDRs at the same location, fusion and fission dynamics, stationary behavior, and reflection of CDRs.

Apparently, cell morphology plays a key role for CDR dynamics. Despite the typically inhomogeneous shape of adherent fibroblasts we find a universal trajectory in phase space that seems to govern CDR dynamics.

To simplify the constraints set by the morphology, we plate cells on circular fibronectin patterns. This system allows us to compare data acquired on different cells. We find waves that propagate in angular direction with a remarkably conserved velocity.