Mapping Spatiotemporal heterogeneities in Membrane and Cortical dynamics

Kulkarni, Shruti (2019) Mapping Spatiotemporal heterogeneities in Membrane and Cortical dynamics. Masters thesis, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata.

PDF (MS dissertation of Shruti Kulkarni (14MS103)) 14MS103.pdf - Submitted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (2MB)

Abstract

Mechanical properties of cells are influenced by the dynamics of its biomolecules. Cells sense the status of their physical environment and transduce it to molecular signals inside it. These regulate the dynamics of molecular motors like Myosins, the Actin cytoskeleton, cytoskeleton-membrane linkers and biomolecules of the complex cell membrane. Using Interferometry and Total Internal Reflection Microscopy, as well as Correlation Spectroscopy analysis tools that give information about the temporal components of the mechanical system of the cell, we tried to understand the relationship of various membrane states and cortical biomolecules, to the physical state of the cell. Interferometry measures the membrane fluctuations, which can be analysed and quantified to understand membrane mechanics. Cholesterol depletion causes an overall slowing down of membrane fluctuations while some regions closer to the surface show faster fluctuations. ATP depletion doesn’t change the spatial distribution of fluctuation timescales; however it does cause the fluctuations to slow down. De-adhesion of the cell by trypsinisation doesn’t change the distribution or magnitude of fluctuations. Spread-area restriction might be causing slower timescales to dominate the cytosolic region as opposed to what is observed in control cells.

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