Abstract
Networks of the cytoskeletal biopolymer actin cross-linked by the compliant protein filamin form soft gels that stiffen dramatically under shear stress. We demonstrate that the elasticity of these networks shows a strong dependence on the mean length of the actin polymers, unlike networks with small, rigid cross-links. This behavior is in agreement with a model of rigid filaments connected by multiple flexible linkers.
2010 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
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Actin Cytoskeleton / ultrastructure
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Actins / metabolism*
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Actins / ultrastructure
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Animals
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Contractile Proteins / metabolism
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Cross-Linking Reagents / pharmacology*
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Elastic Modulus / drug effects
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Elasticity / drug effects
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Elasticity / physiology*
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Filamins
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Gelsolin / metabolism
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Humans
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Microfilament Proteins / metabolism
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Nonlinear Dynamics
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Pliability / drug effects
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Rabbits
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Stress, Physiological / drug effects
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Viscosity / drug effects
Substances
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Actins
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Contractile Proteins
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Cross-Linking Reagents
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Filamins
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Gelsolin
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Microfilament Proteins