Choon-Peng Chng¹, Changjin Huang^1,*

The International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences, Vol.31, No.2, pp. 1-1, 2024, DOI:10.32604/icces.2024.011464

Abstract Biological membranes play crucial roles in cellular functions, serving as dynamic interfaces that regulate the passage of molecules and signals between the cell and its environment. Understanding how these membranes respond to environmental stimuli is paramount in elucidating cellular adaptation and survival mechanisms. In this talk, we will present our recent studies on the structural and mechanical changes of biological membranes in response to two different environmental factors, including the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and dehydration. Through systematic molecular dynamics simulations, we have revealed a dynamic interplay between membrane components, membrane mechanics and… More >

Sheng Sun, Joseph T. Y. Wong, Tong-Yi Zhang

The International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences, Vol.17, No.2, pp. 47-48, 2011, DOI:10.3970/icces.2011.017.047

Abstract Micro/nano structures formed via self-assembly of biological macromolecules, such as DNA and RNA, have potential applications as building units in micro/nano/bio-devices. The self-assembled structures of biological macromolecules can be manipulated by applying electric field. Here we demonstrate such manipulation by using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. Starting from randomly distributed CG DOPE lipids and polarizable water molecules, we studied the self-assembled structures in different hydration levels of lipid (the number of water molecules per lipid) and different strength of external electric fields. When the hydration level of lipid was 24 water per lipid (w/l) or 36… More >

Warren D. Marcus^1,2, Rodger P. McEver³, Cheng Zhu¹

Molecular & Cellular Biomechanics, Vol.1, No.4, pp. 245-252, 2004, DOI:10.3970/mcb.2004.001.245

Abstract When a cell adhered to another cell or substratum via surface proteins is forced to detach, lipid membrane tethers are often extruded from the cell surface before the protein bond dissociates. For example, during the inflammatory reaction leukocytes roll on the surface of activated endothelial cells. The rolling adhesion is mediated by interactions of selectins with their ligands, e.g., P-selectin glycoprotein ligand (PSGL)-1, which extrudes membrane tethers from the surfaces of both leukocytes and endothelial cells. Membrane tether extrusion has been suggested to regulate leukocyte rolling. Here we examine several factors that may affect forces… More >