Science
Multiple Facets of Neuronal Growth
Different Implementations of SFM
A prerequisite for an understanding of the mechanisms of nerve regeneration and neuronal development is the understanding of the principles of force generation in growth cones - the mechanical and chemical sensor of a neuron. In our working group we try to approach this issue from a variety of different aspects, combining experimental and theoretical studies of actin networks, membrane fluctuations and focal adhesion sites. Two other aspects which will be presented here are the direct measurement of forces exerted by the cells, and the neuron's response to mechanical and chemical stimuli.
After we succeeded in measuring stall forces and forces of the retrograde actin flow and the cell body with an SFM in fast-moving fish keratocyte cells we want to transpose this method to growth cones. The SFM cantilever is kept at constant height and force while the growth cone is growing against the bead which is glued at the tip, and the lateral deflection is recorded. Because forces and velocities of neurons are very small and the resulting experiment times are long, the SFM setup requires additional stabilization. We want to use a dual-beam optical trap setup to monitor potential drift of sample and cantilever to ensure a stable position of the cantilever, with respect to the sample, over very long times.
Another facet is chemo- and durotaxis of neurons. We use soft materials with locally modifies Young's modulus, measured with SFM, and local protein coatings to induce highly polarized cell growth. The aim is to learn how such a stimulus is reflected on the molecular level and how this knowledge can be transferred to whole-cell behavior, e.g. cell differentiation, preconceiving that cells are highly adaptable systems. First results of experiments with such materials modified by a new treatment technique are presented here, along with the description of the stabilized SFM setup.
This poster was presented at NanoBioViews 2009; 14-15 October 2009: http://www.nanobioviews.net
Click this link to view the complete poster as a PDF
Contact:
Frank Kupfer
Soft Matter Physics
University of Leipzig
Linnéstraße 5
04103 Leipzig, Germany
kupferf@googlemail.com
Authors:
Frank Kupfer
Thomas Fuhs
Josef A. Käs
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Keywords: cantilever dual-beam optical trap nerve regeneration neuronal growth optical trap SFM SPM
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