Distinguished iNANO Lecture: Interregation of cell surface dynamics by using optical manipulation and thermoplasmonics

Associate Professor Poul M. Bendix, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen

Info about event

Time

Friday 13 April 2018,  at 10:15 - 11:00

Location

iNANO AUD (1593-012), Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C

Associate Professor Poul M. Bendix

Associate Professor Poul M. Bendix, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen

Interregation of cell surface dynamics by using optical manipulation and thermoplasmonics


Investigations of cell surface dynamics is experimentally challenging due to the dynamic nature of nanoscopic surface structures having complex 3D shapes. 

The cell surface environment exhibits constant shape changes driven by molecular complexes in the membrane and by supporting cytoskeletal structures. Molecular shapes and cooperativity are emerging as important functional properties of cells to support formation of essential nanostructures on the cell surface.

Membrane proteins with bent shapes can sense curvature cues and undergo crystallization at high density which could play a regulatory role in a number of cell functions and cellular disorders.

Here, I will present quantitative studies on cell surface dynamics using optical force sensing and present a new thermoplasmonic technique for fusion of cells and for nanoscopic perturbation of the cell membrane. Plasmonic heating from optically trapped nanoheaters causes, in vivo-like, nanoscopic injuries to living cells and is paralleled by confocal microscopy to detect the molecular response. Optical manipulation, combined with protein expression in living cells and in isolated plasma membrane vesicles, allows us to quantify the correlation between molecular shapes and curvature sensing at the internal side of the plasma membrane. With these novel experiments, we gain a new understanding of the mechanisms governing cell surface protein dynamics and mechanical properties of the surface of living cells.

Host: Associate professor Mingdong Dong, Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University

Coffee, tea and bread will be served from 10:00 am in front of the auditorium.

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