Abstract
Networks of the biopolymer actin, cross-linked by the compliant protein filamin, form soft gels. They can, however, withstand large shear stresses due to their pronounced nonlinear elastic behavior. The nonlinear elasticity can be controlled by varying the number of cross-links per actin filament. We propose and test a model of rigid filaments decorated by multiple flexible linkers that is in quantitative agreement with experiment. This allows us to estimate loads on individual cross-links, which we find to be less than 10 pN.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Actins / chemistry*
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Actins / ultrastructure
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Biopolymers / chemistry
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Contractile Proteins / chemistry*
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Contractile Proteins / ultrastructure
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Elasticity
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Filamins
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Humans
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Microfilament Proteins / chemistry*
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Microfilament Proteins / ultrastructure
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Microscopy, Confocal
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Microscopy, Electron
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Models, Biological
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Nonlinear Dynamics
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Shear Strength
Substances
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Actins
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Biopolymers
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Contractile Proteins
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Filamins
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Microfilament Proteins