Session Title: Cell motility, Cytoskeleton and Motor Proteins

Session Summary：The cytoskeleton is the major mechanical unit of the cell and is essential for cellular processes such as motility, division, and contraction. It consists of three types of biopolymers - actin filaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments - along with passive cross-linkers and active motor proteins. This composite biological material determines the enormous adaptability of cells to varying mechanical demands.
In this session, we will elucidate specific examples of cell mechanics from a physical point of view, including different length scales from molecular to cellular, as well as in vitro reconstituted systems and cellular systems. Yuta Shimamoto will present the latest work on microtubule dynamics, while Ikuko Fujiwara will focus on actin severing and Sarah Köster on the unconventional mechanics of intermediate filaments. Cécile Sykes will talk about the phase behavior of supramolecular assemblies and Paul Janmey will present novel experiments on cell mechanics.