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Active elastic dimers: cells moving on rigid tracks.

J H Lopez1, Moumita Das2, J M Schwarz1

  • 1Department of Physics, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, USA.

Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|October 15, 2014
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Summary

This study models cell migration using a simplified one-dimensional system. It reveals how cell motility arises from internal forces and integrin interactions, highlighting alpha-actinin's role.

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Cell Biology
  • Computational Biology

Background:

  • Cell migration in three-dimensional environments often resembles one-dimensional movement.
  • Cellular motility is driven by internal forces and interactions with the extracellular matrix.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and analyze a minimal one-dimensional model of cell migration.
  • To investigate the contributions of active contractility, passive extendability, and integrin dynamics to cell motility.

Main Methods:

  • Constructed a one-dimensional model cell with two beads and an active spring on a track.
  • Modeled stress fibers using myosin contractility and alpha-actinin extendability.
  • Simulated integrin focal adhesions using catch and slip-bond friction behaviors.

Main Results:

  • Achieved reasonable cell speeds using independently estimated parameters.
  • Demonstrated that net motion results from active contractility/extendability and front-back asymmetry in integrin binding.
  • Observed effects of active spring hysteresis and active noise on cell motion.

Conclusions:

  • The model highlights the crucial role of alpha-actinin in three-dimensional cell motility.
  • Net cell motion can be achieved without Arp2/3 actin filament nucleation.
  • Integrin catch-slip behavior is a key factor in generating directional cell movement.