Biophysics of Cellular Membranes
This lecture series introduces the basic concepts and current research in cellular biophysics of biological membrane systems.
この講義では、生体膜系の細胞生物物理学について、基本概念および最近の研究について概説する。
More than half of cellular reactions occur within or on the surface of the membrane, including the plasma membrane, endomembranes, and various vesicles. Explore cell membrane biophysical and physicochemical processes including thermal conformational fluctuation, thermal diffusion, phase separation, and surface prewetting, and consider how cells might take advantage of these processes to enable their signaling functions in cellular biology, immunology, neurobiology, and in cancer. A combination of lectures and student presentations on these subjects is complemented by experiments on direct visualization of receptors and downstream signaling molecules at the level of single molecules in live cells, providing the basis for the studies of these research fields. This interdisciplinary field combines aspects of cell biology, chemistry, and physics, and welcomes students from across these disciplines.
Week 1 Introduction to Biological Membranes Overview of membrane structure and function; lipid bilayers, membrane proteins, fluid mosaic model ECB Ch. 11; MCB Ch. 1
Week 2 Membrane Dynamics & Signal Transduction Membrane domains, receptor clustering, lipid rafts, and signal initiation ECB Ch. 16; MCB Ch. 2–3
Week 3 Biophysical Concepts I Thermal fluctuation, diffusion, and phase separation in membranes MCB Ch. 3; Lecture + Quiz
Week 4 Biophysical Concepts II Surface prewetting, membrane tension, and curvature effects MCB Ch. 4–5; Lecture + Quiz
Week 5 Single-Molecule Imaging Techniques Introduction to fluorescence microscopy, labeling strategies, and cell handling Lecture + Demo
Week 6 Experimental Imaging Sessions Hands-on single-molecule imaging in live cells (extended lab day)Lab-based
Week 7 Data Analysis I Image processing, tracking algorithms, and quantitative analysis MCB Ch. 10; Hands-on training
Week 8 Data Analysis II Individual coaching on analysis; troubleshooting failed experiments TA-guided sessions
Week 9 Report Preparation Drafting scientific reports based on imaging data TA-guided sessions
Week 10 Advanced Topics in Membrane Biophysics Membrane signaling in cancer, immunology, and neuroscience Student presentations
Week 11 Final Presentations & Review Student-led presentations on selected topics; course wrap-up No textbook; original papers
Report 50%; Final exam 50%
Biology, chemistry, and/or physics at undergraduate levels
Mary Luckey, Membrane Structural Biology 2nd Ed. Cambridge University Press
Bruce Alberts et al., Essential Cell Biology 5th Ed. Norton
original papers will be supplied as required