Reversible stress softening of actin networks

Ovijit Chaudhuri, Sapun H. Parekh and Daniel A. Fletcher ()
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Ovijit Chaudhuri: University of California at Berkeley
Sapun H. Parekh: University of California at Berkeley
Daniel A. Fletcher: University of California at Berkeley

Nature, 2007, vol. 445, issue 7125, 295-298

Abstract: Actin networks The mechanical properties of cells are governed by a network of interconnected actin filaments. In the past, actin networks in vitro have been studied mainly as collections of randomly organized filaments, and experiments have revealed stiffening of the network on the application of stress. A new study of dendritic actin networks (similar to those in some motile cells) shows that these architectures do undergo stress stiffening, but that it is followed by reversible stress softening at higher loads. These dendritic architectures appear to be geared towards bearing high compressive loads, but the mechanical properties of such networks more generally are the result of a complex interplay of different elastic regimes.

Date: 2007
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DOI: 10.1038/nature05459

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