On the elasticity of cytoskeletal networks.
Models relating to the gelation and elasticity of complex cytoskeletal networks are formulated and investigated. Kinetic equations for reversible elongation of nucleated actin filaments are analyzed when the filaments are acted upon by capping proteins and cross-linking factors. Analytical expressions are obtained that relate the low frequency elastic shear modulus of a network, G, to chain growth kinetics, the number of nucleation sites, monomer concentration, and the amount of capping and cross-linking protein. Elasticity curves that relate G to such factors as the association constant for cross-linking are derived and then used to determine solation-gelation phase contours.
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Division of Computer Research and Technology, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
D000199:Actins / Q000502:physiology; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000502:physiology*; D004548:Elasticity; D005782:Gels; D007700:Kinetics; D008840:Microfilament Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D008962:Models, Theoretical
D000199:Actins; D005782:Gels; D008840:Microfilament Proteins