Polymerization/Depolymerization Processes in Microtubule and Actin Filaments

Microtubules and actin filaments are rigid cylindrical biopolymers which are important in cell division, in internal organization of cells and in cell motility. It is known that the growth of microtubules and actin filaments generate forces which determine the biological functioning of these biopolymers. We are developing detailed models of microtubule and actin filaments growth which take into account the complex structure and the lateral interactions of monomers in these biopolymers. We are also interested in explaining the dynamic instability phenomena in microtubules and the coupling between actin filaments growth and cell membrane tension. Our theoretical work is done in collaboration with experimental group of Prof. W. Brownell from Baylor College of Medicine.