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Published on: April 4, 2013
Theoretical model for cell migration with gradient sensing and shape deformation.
Tetsuya Hiraiwa1, Akinori Baba, Tatsuo Shibata
1Center for Developmental Biology, RIKEN, Chuo-ku, Kobe 565-0871, Hyogo, Japan. tetsuhiraiwa@gmail.com
The European Physical Journal. E, Soft Matter
|April 11, 2013
Summary
Cell shape influences how amoeboid cells migrate. This study models how elliptical cell deformation affects migration direction, revealing distinct patterns based on internal polarity, cell shape, and environmental sensing.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Biophysics
- Theoretical biology
Background:
- Amoeboid cell migration is crucial for biological processes.
- Cell shape and deformability significantly impact cell migration dynamics.
- Understanding these factors is key to deciphering cell movement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a theoretical model for chemotactic cell migration incorporating elliptical shape deformation.
- To analytically calculate stationary distributions of migration directions.
- To investigate how internal polarity, cell morphology, and gradient sensing influence migration patterns.
Main Methods:
- Development of a theoretical model for chemotactic cell migration.
- Inclusion of elliptical cell shape deformation within the model.
- Analytical calculation of stationary migration direction distributions.
Main Results:
- The model provides insights into the relationship between cell shape and migration.
- Analytical solutions reveal distinct characteristics in migration direction distributions.
- These characteristics are dependent on the interplay between internal polarity, cell morphology, and gradient sensing.
Conclusions:
- Cellular shape deformation is a critical factor in directed cell migration.
- The theoretical model successfully predicts migration behaviors based on cell properties.
- Interdependence of polarity, morphology, and sensing dictates migration outcomes.
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