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Mechanism of Filopodia Formation01:39

Mechanism of Filopodia Formation

Filopodia are thin, actin-rich cellular protrusions that play an important role in many fundamental cellular functions. They vary in their occurrence, length, and positioning in different cell types, suggesting their diverse roles.
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
Mechanism of Ciliary Motion01:05

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Mechanism of Ciliary Motion01:05

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Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility01:13

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The Movement of Organelles and Vesicles01:43

The Movement of Organelles and Vesicles

In eukaryotic cells,  cytoskeletal filaments such as actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments form a mesh-like cytoskeletal network. These filaments serve as tracks for transporting cellular cargo. Specialized motor proteins use the chemical energy stored in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for this transport. During interphase, microtubules are polarized, with the plus-end towards the cell periphery and the minus-end towards the cell center. Two microtubule-associated motor proteins,...
Role of Myosin in Cell Migration01:18

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Myosins are multimeric motor proteins involved in various cellular processes such as migration, adhesion, and proliferation. Myosin II is the most common type in animal cells, which binds and cross-links actin filaments.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

Probing Myosin Ensemble Mechanics in Actin Filament Bundles Using Optical Tweezers
06:53

Probing Myosin Ensemble Mechanics in Actin Filament Bundles Using Optical Tweezers

Published on: May 4, 2022

Self-organized optical device driven by motor proteins.

Susumu Aoyama1, Masahiko Shimoike, Yuichi Hiratsuka

  • 1School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Ishikawa 923-1292, Japan.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|September 26, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Researchers created a biomimetic optical device using protein self-organization in microstructures. This system mimics fish melanophores, enabling dynamic color changes and image formation for future molecular devices.

Keywords:
bioengineeringmicrodevicemolecular robotics

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Last Updated: May 7, 2026

Probing Myosin Ensemble Mechanics in Actin Filament Bundles Using Optical Tweezers
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Published on: May 4, 2022

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Area of Science:

  • Biomimetic systems
  • Molecular self-organization
  • Optical device engineering

Background:

  • Protein molecules exhibit diverse functions based on their arrangement within cells.
  • Constructing cooperative systems with numerous protein molecules is challenging.
  • Artificial microstructures offer a potential solution for molecular system assembly.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop an artificial system mimicking fish melanophores for optical applications.
  • To demonstrate the assembly of functional molecular systems using microstructures.
  • To explore protein molecule arrangement and self-organization for device fabrication.

Main Methods:

  • Prepared arrays of cell-like microchambers with central microtubule seeds.
  • Polymerized tubulin to create radially arranged microtubules within chambers.
  • Assembled pigment granules with dynein motors onto microtubule arrays to form a melanophore-like system.

Main Results:

  • Achieved dynamic color pattern changes in microchambers upon ATP addition, mimicking pigment transport.
  • Successfully demonstrated image formation using the array of assembled optical units.
  • Validated the principle of using microstructures to facilitate molecular arrangement and self-organization.

Conclusions:

  • A designed microstructure can guide the arrangement and self-organization of protein molecules.
  • This approach enables the assembly of functional molecular systems, such as biomimetic optical devices.
  • The study highlights the potential of protein-based systems for advanced molecular device applications.