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Exploring the mechanical properties of filamentous proteins and their homologs by multiscale simulations

Theisen, Kelly E

Abstract Details

2013, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Chemistry.
Proteins are usually thought of as having a chemical role in cells (i.e. enzymes), however many of them have structural roles as well. These are termed mechanochemical proteins, as they perform both chemical and mechanical functions. The focus of this work will be on the mechanical behavior of three types of proteins involved in mechanotransduction namely, microtubules (MTs), actin, and the titin-telethonin complex. Both MTs and actin filaments are cytoskeletal filaments, which work to maintain the shape and size of the cell. MTs serve as tracks for molecular motors and both align and separate the chromosomes during cell division. The actin filament, in addition to defining the edges of cells, binds to myosin to create the forces required for muscle contractions. The titin-telethonin complex, involved in mechanotransduction in muscles, serves as an anchor for tandems of immunoglobulin domains in muscle cells. For all of these proteins, their response to applied forces is crucial to their biological function in the cell. It is the goal of this work to determine the mechanical properties of these systems, that underlie their cellular functions, using multiscale simulations.
Ruxandra Dima, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Bruce Ault, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Anna Gudmundsdottir, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
187 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Theisen, K. E. (2013). Exploring the mechanical properties of filamentous proteins and their homologs by multiscale simulations [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1384850483

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Theisen, Kelly. Exploring the mechanical properties of filamentous proteins and their homologs by multiscale simulations. 2013. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1384850483.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Theisen, Kelly. "Exploring the mechanical properties of filamentous proteins and their homologs by multiscale simulations." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1384850483

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)