Stress-Dependent Elasticity of Composite Actin Networks as a Model for Cell Behavior

M. L. Gardel, F. Nakamura, J. Hartwig, J. C. Crocker, T. P. Stossel, and D. A. Weitz
Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 088102 – Published 3 March 2006

Abstract

Networks of filamentous actin cross-linked with the actin-binding protein filamin A exhibit remarkable strain stiffening leading to an increase in differential elastic modulus by several orders of magnitude over the linear value. The variation of the frequency dependence of the differential elastic and loss moduli as a function of prestress is consistent with that observed in living cells, suggesting that cell elasticity is always measured in the nonlinear regime, and that prestress is an essential control parameter.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 30 August 2005

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.96.088102

©2006 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

M. L. Gardel1, F. Nakamura2, J. Hartwig2, J. C. Crocker3, T. P. Stossel2, and D. A. Weitz1

  • 1Department of Physics and D.E.A.S., Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
  • 2Hematology Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
  • 3Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 96, Iss. 8 — 3 March 2006

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×