Actuator Device Based on Axonemal Chemomechanics

Principal Institution:	Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Principal Investigator:	Peter Satir, Ph.D. Department of Anatomy & Structural Biology Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx, NY 10461 Tel: 718-430-4061 E-mail: satir@aecom.yu.edu
Collaborators:	Yuuko Wada, Raviraja Seetharam, Tyson Valentin
Contributing Institutions:	University of California of Los Angeles
Contributing Investigators:	Carlo Montemagno, Toshikazu Hamasaki
Administrative POC:	Rita Guarracina
Contract number:	#N66001-02-C-8024

We propose to develop, fabricate and exploit cilia as nanotechnology instruments which may be utilized as novel sorting, sensing or actuating devices using controlled triggering of axonemal elongation.  The initial technical challenges will be to standardize ciliary axoneme preparations and quantify the percent, amount and extent of axonemal elongation under defined conditions.  Axonemes will be prepared from the protozoa Tetrahymena, quality controlled to maximize percent elongation and storage lifetime.  To determine parameters useful for the external control of elongation, mechanisms of motor molecule coordination in the axoneme will be studied.  Elongation velocity will be measured.  Axonemal nanomounts and arrays of nanomounts will be fabricated by a two step lithography process.  Axonemes will be engineered for attachment to nanomounts.  Photolysis of caged ATP will be developed as a controlled trigger.

Accomplishments over last 6 months:

	Prepared sliding SB255 Tetrahymena axonemes
	Measured stability of preparation and amount and reproducibility of sliding
	With Montemagno team, devised potential strategy for nanomounting of preparation

Projected Milestones for next 12 months:

	Standardization of sliding preparation; optimizing of sliding
	Analysis of dynein arm activity
	Molecular engineering for nanomounting

Envisioned deliverable:  Nanomounted array of ciliary axonemes, triggerable, with amplified detection; design for utilization of elongation.