Nonlinear Dynamics Seminar/Qualifier

Aaron Foote, UT-Austin

"Characterization of a Rigid State of Cytoplasm"

1:00pm, RLM 11.204

Abstract: The eukaryotic cytoplasm is a heterogeneous viscoelastic material that plays an essential role in numerous cellular functions.  Its fluid, active nature allows for diffusion of macromolecular components, changes in cellular morphology, and rapid responses to environmental stresses, yet its physical properties are not well understood.  Recently, it was observed that the cytoplasm of the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, undergoes a fundamental restructuring, from a liquid-like to a solid-like state, under severe nutrient starvation.  Our group has named this effect "cytoplasmic freezing" and we seek to characterize the novel cytoplasmic state, determine the underlying physical mechanisms responsible for freezing, and assess the reversibility of this transition into a rigid material.