Description:

My lab is interested in the active and adaptive materials that underlie control of the shape and movement of biological cells.  This has largely centered around understanding force transmission and sensing within the actin cytoskeleton. I will review our current understanding of the types of active and adaptive matter that can be constructed by actin polymers. I will then turn to our recent experiments to exploiting new optogenetic approaches to decipher force-sensitive mechanics within living cells. Hopefully, I will convince you that recent experimental and theoretical advances make this a very exciting time to be exploring the physics of living matter!  

Margaret Gardel, Professor, University of Chicago

Host: Michelle Driscoll