Mechanics of the cell interface studied by model membrane systems
Mechanics of the cell interface studied by model membrane systems
- Event time: 1:00pm
- Event date: 29th September 2014
- Speaker: Dr Margarita Staykova (Durham University)
- Location: Room 2511, James Clerk Maxwell Building (JCMB) James Clerk Maxwell Building Peter Guthrie Tait Road Edinburgh EH9 3FD GB
Event details
The cell interface is resilient, tunable and can easily adapt its surface area and morphology in response to changing conditions. I use simplified model systems of the cell interface to understand how the physical properties of its constituents and their interactions give rise to such remarkable surface functionality. In this talk, I will discuss my recent findings on the ability of lipid membranes to deform and flow under mechanical perturbations and when coupled to neighboring cell structures (the cytoskeleton or the extracellular matrix). The goals of my experimental program are to shed light on the molecular and physical mechanisms of mechano-transduction in cells and to implement these principles in the design of mechanically responsive bio-interfaces for biological and biomedical applications.
About Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars
This is a weekly series of informal talks given primarily by members of the institute of condensed matter and complex systems, but is also open to members of other groups and external visitors. The aim of the series is to promote discussion and learning of various topics at a level suitable to the broad background of the group. Everyone is welcome to attend..