3,241 research outputs found
Dynamics of Cell Shape and Forces on Micropatterned Substrates Predicted by a Cellular Potts Model
Micropatterned substrates are often used to standardize cell experiments and
to quantitatively study the relation between cell shape and function. Moreover,
they are increasingly used in combination with traction force microscopy on
soft elastic substrates. To predict the dynamics and steady states of cell
shape and forces without any a priori knowledge of how the cell will spread on
a given micropattern, here we extend earlier formulations of the
two-dimensional cellular Potts model. The third dimension is treated as an area
reservoir for spreading. To account for local contour reinforcement by
peripheral bundles, we augment the cellular Potts model by elements of the
tension-elasticity model. We first parameterize our model and show that it
accounts for momentum conservation. We then demonstrate that it is in good
agreement with experimental data for shape, spreading dynamics, and traction
force patterns of cells on micropatterned substrates. We finally predict shapes
and forces for micropatterns that have not yet been experimentally studied.Comment: Revtex, 32 pages, 11 PDF figures, to appear in Biophysical Journa
Unifying autocatalytic and zeroth order branching models for growing actin networks
The directed polymerization of actin networks is an essential element of many
biological processes, including cell migration. Different theoretical models
considering the interplay between the underlying processes of polymerization,
capping and branching have resulted in conflicting predictions. One of the main
reasons for this discrepancy is the assumption of a branching reaction that is
either first order (autocatalytic) or zeroth order in the number of existing
filaments. Here we introduce a unifying framework from which the two
established scenarios emerge as limiting cases for low and high filament
number. A smooth transition between the two cases is found at intermediate
conditions. We also derive a threshold for the capping rate, above which
autocatalytic growth is predicted at sufficiently low filament number. Below
the threshold, zeroth order characteristics are predicted to dominate the
dynamics of the network for all accessible filament numbers. Together, this
allows cells to grow stable actin networks over a large range of different
conditions.Comment: revtex, 5 pages, 4 figure
Role of anisotropy for protein-protein encounter
Protein-protein interactions comprise both transport and reaction steps.
During the transport step, anisotropy of proteins and their complexes is
important both for hydrodynamic diffusion and accessibility of the binding
site. Using a Brownian dynamics approach and extensive computer simulations, we
quantify the effect of anisotropy on the encounter rate of ellipsoidal
particles covered with spherical encounter patches. We show that the encounter
rate depends on the aspect ratios mainly through steric effects,
while anisotropic diffusion has only a little effect. Calculating analytically
the crossover times from anisotropic to isotropic diffusion in three
dimensions, we find that they are much smaller than typical protein encounter
times, in agreement with our numerical results.Comment: 4 pages, Revtex with 3 figures, to appear as a Rapid Communication in
Physical Review
Focal adhesions as mechanosensors: the two-spring model
Adhesion-dependent cells actively sense the mechanical properties of their
environment through mechanotransductory processes at focal adhesions, which are
integrin-based contacts connecting the extracellular matrix to the
cytoskeleton. Here we present first steps towards a quantitative understanding
of focal adhesions as mechanosensors. It has been shown experimentally that
high levels of force are related to growth of and signaling at focal adhesions.
In particular, activation of the small GTPase Rho through focal adhesions leads
to the formation of stress fibers. Here we discuss one way in which force might
regulate the internal state of focal adhesions, namely by modulating the
internal rupture dynamics of focal adhesions. A simple two-spring model shows
that the stiffer the environment, the more efficient cellular force is built up
at focal adhesions by molecular motors interacting with the actin filaments.Comment: Latex, 17 pages, 5 postscript figures include
- …