Quantitative analysis of traction forces exerted by translocating neuronal growth cone

Abstract

This study involves traction force microscopy related techniques for analyzing the process of neuronal growth cone dynamics in the context of axon guidance. The system that is used will allow measuring the forces exerted by filopodia as they translocate on a flexible gel surface. This gel has an array of fluorescent fiduciary marker beads, which get displaced along with the deformation of the gel. Vector maps for gel deformation can be constructed by using bead tracking algorithms for image analysis. These vector maps would allow estimation of the forces exerted by various parts of the growth cone during the process of axon guidance to get an idea about the dynamics of filopodia mediated motility.