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Generation of Aggregates of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells that Show Symmetry Breaking, Polarization and Emergent Collective Behaviour In Vitro
Published on: November 24, 2015
Physical model of cellular symmetry breaking
Jasper van der Gucht1, Cécile Sykes
1Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Colloid Science, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
|January 13, 2010
Summary
Cells can break symmetry and polarize without external signals. Simplified physical models help understand the mechanics of this spontaneous cell polarization, driven by the actin network and myosin motors.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Biophysics
- Physics
Background:
- Cell polarization is crucial for cell function and can be triggered by external cues like chemical gradients.
- Cells also exhibit spontaneous polarization and symmetry breaking, even in uniform environments, leading to random motility.
- The cortical actin network and myosin motor activity are key regulators of cell mechanical properties and polarity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the physical mechanisms driving spontaneous cell polarization and symmetry breaking.
- To investigate the role of the cortical actin network and myosin motors in cell mechanics.
- To demonstrate how simplified physical models can elucidate complex cellular behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of cell mechanics.
- Analysis of actin network dynamics and tension.
- Investigation of symmetry breaking in simplified physical systems.
Main Results:
- Spontaneous symmetry breaking and polarization can arise from internal cellular mechanics.
- Tension in the cortical actin network, regulated by myosin motors, plays a critical role.
- Model systems reveal that relaxation of cortical tension via shell rupture can induce polarization.
Conclusions:
- Cellular symmetry breaking and polarization are governed by fundamental physical principles.
- Simplified models provide valuable insights into the mechanics of cell polarity.
- Understanding these mechanics is essential for comprehending cell motility and behavior.
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