Internship and thesis proposals
Molecular motor mediated flows of an actin-membrane composite

Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems

Type of internship
Expérimental
Description
Dynamic networks of myosin motors and actin polymers attached to the plasma membrane of cells enable the cells to control their shape precisely in space and time. Cells reply on actin-membrane linkers to couple the membrane and the actin cytoskeleton. In this project, we aim to reveal how an active actin-membrane linker, type I myosin motors, can modulate the re-organization of a nematic actin structure, leading to membrane reshaping. We will develop reconstituted systems composed of model membranes and purified proteins. We will monitor actin organization and dynamics using super-resolution imaging and single filament tracking. Our results will guide the theoretical description of myo1-driven actin reorganization in collaboration with Carles Blanch Mercader and Jean-Francois Joanny (Curie Institute).

Contact
Feng-Ching Tsai
Laboratory : PCC - UMR 168
Team : Membrane et Fonctions Cellulaires
Team Website
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