Abstract
Animal cell shapes are regulated by the intracellular actomyosin cytoskeleton, a dynamic network of actin filaments and myosin motors. The aim of this project is to quantitatively understand how these cytoskeletal machineries organize in space and time to regulate tissue morphogenesis and repair. This will be achieved by developing an in silico model of the actin cytoskeleton, integrating molecular biochemistry, structure and mechanics. The model will be used to interpret and direct mechanical experiments on the Drosophila wing disc, combining genetics, live imaging and automated image analysis. Together, these approaches will determine how actomyosin structures dynamically reorganize to control tissue-scale mechanics.
References
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