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Two-Phase Acto-Cytosolic Fluid Flow in a Moving Keratocyte: A 2D Continuum Model
M R Nikmaneshi1, B Firoozabadi2, M S Saidi3
1Center of Excellence in Energy Conversion, School of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran. Nikmaneshi@mech.sharif.edu.
Bulletin of Mathematical Biology
|September 26, 2015
Summary
This study models cell crawling dynamics, revealing how F-actin networks and cytosol flow within lamellipodia. Numerical simulations provide insights into the forces driving cell movement and shape.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Cell crawling is essential for biological processes.
- Lamellipodia dynamics involve complex F-actin and cytosol interactions.
- Understanding these dynamics is key to cell motility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To numerically investigate the two-phase flow of F-actin and cytosol in keratocyte lamellipodia.
- To model the influence of myosin activity, adhesion friction, and interphase interactions.
- To analyze acto-cytosolic flow, pressure fields, and force distribution.
Main Methods:
- A two-phase coupled model was developed, treating cytosol as a Newtonian fluid and the F-actin network as a porous medium.
- Numerical simulations were performed using realistic keratocyte geometry.
- The order of magnitude method was employed to assess force contributions.
Main Results:
- Accurate perspectives of acto-cytosolic flow and pressure fields were obtained.
- Myosin concentration and distribution were analyzed.
- The distribution of effective forces across the lamellipodia was determined.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a comprehensive view of the internal dynamics of lamellipodia.
- Myosin concentration plays a crucial role in coupling the two phases.
- The findings enhance our understanding of cell motility and shape maintenance.
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