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Forming, Confining, and Observing Microtubule-Based Active Nematics
Published on: January 13, 2023
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Defect driven shapes in nematic droplets: analogies with cell division.
Marco Leoni1, Oksana V Manyuhina2, Mark J Bowick3
1Physics Department and Soft Matter Program, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA. mleoni@syr.edu omanyuhi@syr.edu and Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 168, 26 rue d'Ulm, F-75005, Paris, France.
Soft Matter
|January 20, 2017
Summary
This study models cell division using liquid crystal physics, revealing a critical parameter for cell splitting. Microtubule anchoring is key for successful bipolar cell division, offering experimental testable predictions.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Cell division shares structural similarities with nematic liquid crystals in confined geometries.
- Microtubule dynamics during mitosis can be modeled as a liquid crystal system.
- Cell cortex and microtubule interactions are crucial for cell division mechanics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physical mechanisms of cell division using a continuum model of nematic liquid crystals.
- To explore the interplay between microtubule bulk elasticity and cell cortex surface elasticity.
- To understand the role of topological defects and centrosome separation in cell division.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a continuum model of two-dimensional nematic liquid crystal droplets.
- Modeling the cell cortex as a bounding flexible membrane.
- Analyzing the influence of bulk and surface elasticity on cell shape and division.
Main Results:
- Mapped healthy bipolar and faulty multipolar division progression based on an effective parameter.
- Identified a critical parameter value for the transition from a single cell to daughter cells.
- Demonstrated that microtubule anchoring at the cell cortex is vital for successful bipolar division.
Conclusions:
- The physical properties of liquid crystals provide insights into cell division mechanics.
- A critical parameter governs cell division, independent of specific energetic considerations.
- Experimental manipulation of microtubule anchoring can validate the model's predictions for cell division.
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