Séminaire externe Manuel THÉRY

Microtubules are well known for supporting the directed transport of vesicles during interphase and chromosomes during mitosis. However, they are not just tracks for transport; they can also be moved by the forces exerted by molecular motors. In this presentation, we will demonstrate how the interplay between moving microtubules and transported motors can result in the emergence of shapes from random mixtures. We will explain how these shapes are maintained in dynamic steady-states by active and polar boundaries. We will also explore the plasticity and adaptation of these boundaries to geometric constraints, as well as their ability to polarise or bipolarise a confined space. Finally, we will discuss the relevance of this process to various forms of intracellular organisation.