Dresden 2026 – scientific programme
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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik
BP 12: Cytoskeleton I
BP 12.11: Talk
Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 12:30–12:45, BAR/0205
Bayesian inference of bond parameters from interactions between single filaments — •Kristian Angeli Pajanonot1,2, Sascha Lambert1,2, Pallavi Kumari1, Stefan Klumpp2, and Sarah Köster1 — 1Institute for X-Ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Germany — 2Institute for the Dynamics of Complex Systems, University of Göttingen, Germany
Interactions among cytoskeletal filaments-actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments-regulate cell structure, movement, and transport. Single-filament direct interactions can be measured using a quadruple optical tweezers setup. In this approach, filaments are attached to two separate bead pairs held in optical traps and positioned in a cross configuration. As the vertical filament is pulled across the other one, the bond that forms between these filaments experiences increasing mechanical load until it breaks. Previous analysis using Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) tests allows for the estimation of bond parameters but lacks a probabilistic interpretation. Here, we present a Bayesian inference framework to estimate bond parameters from the interaction data. Using published data on the interaction between two vimentin filaments, we show that Bayesian inference provides consistent results with the KS test and with narrower parameter estimates. We then investigate how the pulling velocity influences the bond parameters and find that probing different pulling velocities improves inference compared to using a single velocity. Finally, we apply the method to other cytoskeletal filament interactions demonstrating broader applicability and offering guidance for future experimental optimization
Keywords: Bayesian inference; Intermediate filaments; Quadruple optical tweezers; Parameter estimation