Actin Dynamics Measured and Characterized by Optical Flow

ORAL

Abstract

Actin dynamics are an important component of critical functions such as cell migration and immune response. Specifically, waves of actin are present in a wide range of conditions such as cell-cell adhesion formation and immune cell activation. We utilize periodic surface topographies comparable in size to in vivo collagen fiber networks to generate actin dynamics consistent with what would be observed in real cell microenvironments. We show that, when in contact with such textured surfaces, many cell types exhibit esotaxis – guidance of the actin waves by the surface texture. The one-dimensional waves of actin are very reproducible, which allows us to quantify these actin dynamics in cell types with dissimilar migratory modes and physiological purposes – slowly migrating epithelial MCF10A cells and fast migrating neutrophil-like HL60 cells. Using a computer vision algorithm called Optical Flow, we designed and employed an automated analysis program to characterize the pixel scale guidance of actin waves, as well as their mesoscale characteristics.

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Presenters

  • Leonard Campanello

    Department of Physics, University of Maryland,College Park, University of Maryland, College Park

Authors

  • Leonard Campanello

    Department of Physics, University of Maryland,College Park, University of Maryland, College Park

  • Rachel Lee

    University of Maryland School of Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park

  • Matt J. Hourwitz

    University of Maryland, College Park, Department of Chemistry, University of Maryland,College Park, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland-College Park

  • John T Fourkas

    University of Maryland, College Park, Department of Chemistry, University of Maryland,College Park, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland-College Park

  • Wolfgang Losert

    University of Maryland, College Park, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, Institute of Physical Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Department of Physics, University of Maryland,College Park, Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, Department of Physics, University of Maryland-College Park, IREAP, IPST, University of Maryland, College Park, Departments of Physics, IPST and IREAP, University of Maryland, College Park