Spatio-temporal control over cell and membrane functions with light-driven nanoagents
B09 develops novel photoresponsive reagents to control cellular and biophysical processes with the spatiotemporal resolution delivered by light, for a better understanding of cell biology and mechanics. In previous periods B09 has delivered a suite of photoswitchable cytoskeleton modulators; this continues in Aim 1, focussing on reagents for animal studies and for subcellular resolution. B09 also delivered azobenzene-based photoswitchable lipids as light-responsive modulators of membrane properties. In Aim 2 we now focus on non-azobenzene lipids to reach new functions. In Aim 3, in cooperation with many SFB1032 groups, we work towards light-controlled tools to modulate and study cell migration, developing photoresponsive hydrogel crosslinkers for force patterning. Lastly, we will research photopatterning on the subcellular level by developing "photochemical/genetic" localisation reagents to mimic signaling and protein-protein interactions (Aim 4).