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Cell Migration

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Cell migration, the process by which cells move from one location to another, is essential for the proper development and viability of organisms throughout their life. When cells are not able to migrate properly to their ordained locations, various disorders may occur. For example, disruption in cell migration causes chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.

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Assessment of Dictyostelium discoideum Response to Acute Mechanical Stimulation

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Cell migration with multiple pseudopodia: temporal and spatial sensing models.

Rachele Allena¹

¹Arts et Metiers ParisTech, LBM, 151 bd de l'hopital, 75013 Paris, France. rachele.allena@ensam.eu

Bulletin of Mathematical Biology

|January 16, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study models cell migration using pseudopodia, focusing on the mechanics of protrusion and contraction. It explores how random factors and sensing strategies influence cell movement and direction.

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Area of Science:

* Biophysics
* Cell Biology
* Computational Biology

Background:

* Cell migration is a fundamental biological process crucial for development and disease.
* Pseudopodia, or

Purpose of the Study:

* To develop a 3D finite element model simulating cell migration over a 2D substrate.
* To investigate the mechanical aspects governing cell protrusion and contraction during migration.
* To analyze the influence of randomness and sensing strategies on cell locomotion.

Main Methods:

* Utilized a 3D finite element model.
* Employed decomposition of the deformation gradient to simulate cell protrusion and contraction cycles.
* Modeled adhesion forces at the cell's front and rear.
* Investigated two sensing strategies: temporal and spatial models.

Main Results:

* Demonstrated the cell's capacity to initiate multiple pseudopodia simultaneously, influenced by random direction and amplitude.
* Characterized temporal sensing: extending multiple pseudopodia, retracting unsuccessful ones, and advancing with positive input.
* Characterized spatial sensing: sensing external cues across the membrane to protrude towards the most attractive source.

Conclusions:

* The model successfully reproduces key mechanical aspects of cell migration, including pseudopodia dynamics.
* Randomness plays a significant role in directing and scaling pseudopod extension.
* Temporal and spatial sensing strategies offer distinct mechanisms for navigating and responding to the cellular environment.