title: Polymorphism of highly cross-linked F-actin networks: probing multiple length scales.
abstract: The assembly properties of F-actin filaments in the presence of different biological cross-linker concentrations and types have been investigated using a combined approach of fluorescence confocal microscopy and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation. In particular for highly cross-linked regimes, new network morphologies are observed. Complex network formation and the details of the resulting structure are strongly dependent on the ratio of cross-linkers to actin monomers and cross-linker shape but only weakly dependent on overall actin concentration and filament length. The work presented here may help to provide some fundamental understanding of how excessive cross-linkers interact with the actin filament solution, creating different structures in the cell under high cross-linker concentrations. F-actin is not only of biological importance but also, as an example of a semiflexible polymer, has attracted significant interest in its physical behavior. In combination with different cross-linkers semiflexible filaments may provide new routes to bio-materials development and act as the inspiration for new hierarchical network-based materials.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics & MARTECH, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, USA.
authors.forename: Lam T
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: Linda S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Hirst
mesh_terms: D000185:Actinin / Q000737:chemistry; D000199:Actins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D001703:Biophysics / Q000379:methods*; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000737:chemistry; D003285:Contractile Proteins / Q000737:chemistry; D064448:Filamins; D007834:Lasers; D008840:Microfilament Proteins / Q000737:chemistry; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000379:methods; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission / Q000379:methods; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods; D008954:Models, Biological; D009132:Muscles / Q000378:metabolism; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011817:Rabbits
chemical_list: D000199:Actins; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D003285:Contractile Proteins; D064448:Filamins; D008840:Microfilament Proteins; D000185:Actinin; C020324:fascin