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Leading-edge-gel coupling in lamellipodium motion
Juliane Zimmermann1, Mihaela Enculescu, Martin Falcke
1Mathematical Cell Physiology, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13092 Berlin, Germany. juliane.zimmermann@mdc-berlin.de
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|January 15, 2011
Summary
We modeled actin-based cell motility by integrating leading-edge dynamics with active gel properties. This model accurately predicts lamellipodium velocity and dynamic behaviors observed in experiments.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Biophysics
- Theoretical biology
Background:
- Actin dynamics drive cell motility, crucial for processes like wound healing and immune response.
- The lamellipodium, a dynamic structure at the cell front, is key to this movement.
- Understanding the interplay between the leading edge and the cell's internal mechanics is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a computational model of actin-based cell motility.
- To investigate the relationship between the lamellipodium's leading edge dynamics and actomyosin gel properties.
- To explain the force-velocity relationship and dynamic regimes observed experimentally.
Main Methods:
- Developed a model combining semiflexible polymer dynamics at the leading edge with active polar gel theory for the cell bulk.
- Calculated lamellipodium velocity based on gel-actin interactions and adhesion forces.
- Analyzed the force-velocity relation and dynamic regimes.
Main Results:
- The model reproduces the experimentally observed concave force-velocity relation.
- The model suggests retrograde flow drives motility at low forces and gel formation at high forces.
- The model conserves experimentally observed morphodynamic regimes when coupling the leading edge to the gel.
Conclusions:
- The integrated model provides a robust framework for understanding actin-based cell motility.
- The interplay between leading-edge mechanics and bulk actomyosin properties dictates cell movement.
- The model successfully explains diverse dynamic behaviors and force-velocity relationships in cell migration.
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