Biophysical Society 66th Annual Meeting Program Guide

Beyond Coronavirus Preparing for the Next Pandemic 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm, Esplanade, Room 153

Exhibitor Presentation Bruker 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm, Esplanade, Room 157 Application of Large Area Mapping AFM for Automated Structural and Mechanical Analysis of Developing Cells and Tissues Active forces in biological systems define the interactions between single molecules, growing cells and developing tissues. Further development of novel biomaterials for tissue engineering is driven by the biomechani - cal and molecular cues provided to cells by their environment which are crucial parameters that influence motility, behavior, and the fate of progenitor cells. AFM can be successfully applied for comprehensive nano-mechanical characterization of single molecules, cells and tissues, under near physi - ological conditions. Currently, the trend is to extend this by studying the mechanobiology of living cells while evaluating their structure and the in - teraction with their cell culture substrates. In particular, it is interesting to understand how cell behavior is driven by the cytoskeletal dynamics and cell mechanics in typical cell culture scaffold scenarios. We will introduce the concept of automated large area multiparametric characterization of densely packed cell layers and highly corrugated tissue samples, where full automation, smart mechanical sample analysis, multiple scanner technology, and optical integration is critical for data throughput and reliable correlative microscopy. We will discuss how these developments, in combination with advanced optical and super-resolution microscopy techniques, can overcome the inherent drawbacks of traditional AFM systems for characterizing challenging biological samples. Cells adapt their shape and react to the surrounding environment by a dynamic reorganization of the F-actin cytoskeleton. We will demonstrate how cell spreading and migration in living KPG-7 fibroblasts and CHO cells, can be studied with highspeed AFM and associated with spatially resolved cytoskeletal reorganization events. We will further extend this with high-speed mechanical mapping of confluent cell layers, which in combination with optical tiling can be applied to automated analysis of large sample areas. External mechanical stress is known to influence cell mechanics in cor - relation to the differences in actin cytoskeleton dynamics. As a tool for analyzing the complex cellular mechanobiology, we went beyond purely elastic models, and performed sine oscillations (up to 1 kHz, am plitude 5-60 nm) in Z while in contact with the surface to probe the frequen - cydependent response of living fibroblasts. We will further discuss how to calculate the viscoelastic properties, characterized by the dynamic storage and loss modulus (E’, E’’) distribution in such samples. In the past, investigating large and rough samples such as tissues and hy - drogels using AFMwas challenging due to the limited z-axis of the AFM. Using osteoarthritic cartilage as an example, we will demonstrate how a newly developed hybrid of a motorized and piezo stage enables multi- region AFM probing over a large, rough sample area while providing additional correlative optical data sets. Speaker Giselle Fontes Evilsizer, AFMi Sales Applications Scientist, Bruker Snack Break 1:45 pm - 3:00 pm, Exhibit Hall ABC Poster Presentations and Late Posters 1:45 pm - 3:45 pm, Exhibit Hall ABC

M O N D A Y

As scientists, we know that the question of whether there will be another pandemic is not an ‘if’ but a ‘when’ proposition. This in-depth panel dis - cussion will examine how we as experts in basic and biomedical research can help lay the groundwork to ensure that we are ready to act when the time comes. While the White House has issued the early stages of a Pandemic Preparedness Plan, that only serves the interests of a single nation. As an international scientific organization, how can we build off the global, collaborative action that resulted from the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus that shattered borders while simultaneously dem - onstrating what investments in science can achieve when working on a global scale? Speaker Sudha Chakrapani, Case Western Reserve University Marta Filizola, Mt. Sinai Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Additional speaker to be announced. Biophysics 101 Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation: Biophysical Fundamentals to Cellular Function 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm, South, Level Two, Room 207/208 Biophysics 101 is an opportunity to learn about hot topics in Biophys - ics from experts in the field! This session will provide an introduction to Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a field that is enjoying an explosion of interest due to its ubiquitous nature. This widespread cellular mecha - nism leads to formation of membrane-less organelles such as the nucleo - lus, stress granules and P-bodies. These organelles are supramolecular assemblies containing RNA and/or proteins with intrinsically disordered regions. LLPS allows the cell to organize complex biochemical processes in space and plays crucial roles in regulating gene expression, the stress response and some signal transduction pathways. The program will feature three speakers who will cover key aspects of LLPS. The session will start with Rohit Pappu, Washington University, introducing the Biophysical Principles of Phase Separation. Next, Alex - sandra Zidovska, New York University, will discuss Biophysical Studies of Phase Separation. Finally, Gary Karpen, University of California, Berkeley, will present Biological Examples of Phase Separation in Cells. Speakers Gary Karpen, University of California, Berkeley, USA Rohit Pappu, Washington University, USA Alexandra Zidovska, New York University, USA The World Outside the Lab 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm, Esplanade, Room 155 Have you started thinking about the next career step? Are you wonder - ing if you can apply your academic skills in the industry? Or what skills outside of academia you may bring to the lab? Join us to explore career options in consulting, industry and academia. Panelists with science backgrounds, now involved in a wide variety of careers, will share their personal experiences and answer questions from the audience.

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