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Stress release drives symmetry breaking for actin-based movement
Jasper van der Gucht1, Ewa Paluch, Julie Plastino
1Laboratoire Physico-Chimie Curie, Unité Mixte de Recherche 168, Institut Curie, 11 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75231 Paris, Cedex 5, France. jasper.van-der-gucht@curie.fr
Summary
Actin networks spontaneously polarize and move on beads, driven by elastic energy release similar to polymer gel fracture. This process
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Polymer Physics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Actin networks are crucial for cell motility.
- Spontaneous organization and movement of actin are not fully understood.
- Polymer gel mechanics offer potential insights into actin network behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of spontaneous actin network polarization and movement.
- To understand the role of elastic energy in symmetry breaking.
- To correlate actin gel properties with observed dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a simplified in vitro assay with purified proteins.
- Studied actin polymerization on spherical beads.
- Employed elasticity theory and fracture mechanics for modeling.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated spontaneous polarization and movement of actin networks on beads.
- Identified elastic energy release as the driving force for symmetry breaking.
- Found that dynamics and thickness depend on growth rate and mechanical properties.
Conclusions:
- Symmetry breaking in actin networks is analogous to polymer gel fracture.
- Elastic energy release is a key factor in actin network self-organization and motility.
- A model based on elasticity and fracture mechanics can explain experimental observations.