NSF East Asia and Pacific Summer Institute for FY 2012 in Japan

Kappiyoor Ravi, Blacksburg VA

Investigators

Abstract

This action funds Ravi Kappiyoor of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University to conduct a research project, entitled "Understanding the effects of stress on cell locomotion, " during the summer of 2012 at Kyoto University in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan. The host scientist is Dr. Shoji Takada. The Intellectual Merit of the research project is as follows. Actin filaments are used by cells for locomotion. In order to generate force, these filaments add monomers to one end (polymerization) and remove monomers from the other end (depolymerization) resulting in tank-tread like motion. Unfortunately, the exact nature of this polymerization and depolymerization is unknown. This research project aims to better characterize the role of mechanical stresses on polymerization dynamics. The Broader Impacts of an EAPSI fellowship include providing the Fellow a first-hand research experience outside the U.S.; an introduction to the science, science policy, and scientific infrastructure of the respective location; and an orientation to the society, culture and language. These activities meet the NSF goal to educate for international collaborations early in the career of its scientists, engineers, and educators, thus ensuring a globally aware U.S. scientific workforce.