title: Mechanics of the F-actin cytoskeleton.
abstract: Dynamic regulation of the filamentous actin (F-actin) cytoskeleton is critical to numerous physical cellular processes, including cell adhesion, migration and division. Each of these processes require precise regulation of cell shape and mechanical force generation which, to a large degree, is regulated by the dynamic mechanical behaviors of a diverse assortment of F-actin networks and bundles. In this review, we review the current understanding of the mechanics of F-actin networks and identify areas of further research needed to establish physical models. We first review our understanding of the mechanical behaviors of F-actin networks reconstituted in vitro, with a focus on the nonlinear mechanical response and behavior of "active" F-actin networks. We then explore the types of mechanical response measured of cytoskeletal F-actin networks and bundles formed in living cells and identify how these measurements correspond to those performed on reconstituted F-actin networks formed in vitro. Together, these approaches identify the challenges and opportunities in the study of living cytoskeletal matter.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, University of Chicago, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stricker
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Falzone
authors.forename: Margaret L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Gardel
mesh_terms: D008841:Actin Cytoskeleton / Q000502:physiology; D000199:Actins / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000502:physiology*; D004548:Elasticity; D006801:Humans; D008870:Microtubules / Q000502:physiology; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
chemical_list: D000199:Actins