Speaker: Suvranta Tripathy (University of Michigan-Dearborn)

Abstract: Living systems possess unique mechanical and thermodynamic properties functioning far from thermal equilibrium. Nanometer-sized biological proteins, so-called molecular motors, or motor proteins, exert forces on cellular structures by the transduction of chemical energy from ATP hydrolysis to mechanical energy. These Nano-machines transport cargos to correct destinations within the cells at the appropriate times and facilitate critical cellular processes. Despite such importance, the regulation mechanisms of nano-motors in cells have not been fully explored. Our recent studies revealed a new way of transport regulation where membrane pH of cellular cargo such as phagosome can bias its directions of transport. Using optical tweezers in cells, we have quantified the force generation and tenacity of nano-motors at a single molecule level at a different pH level of the phagosomes. Our result provides deep insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the phagocytosis process that is essential for the degradation of various pathogens.