A Finite Element Bendo-Tensegrity Model of Eukaryotic Cell

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Cell mechanical properties are crucial for cellular functions.
• Mechanisms of mechanical stimuli sensing and signal transduction are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and utilize finite element (FE) bendo-tensegrity models to characterize cell deformation.
• To investigate the mechanical contribution of cytoskeletal components under different loading conditions.

Main Methods:

• Developed two FE bendo-tensegrity models: a suspended cell model for tensile tests and an adherent cell model for atomic force microscopy (AFM) indentation.
• Simulated cell deformation under tensile loading and AFM indentation.

Main Results:

• Tensile test simulations yielded force-elongation curves consistent with experimental data for smooth muscle cells (SMCs).
• Indentation simulations produced force-indentation curves comparable to experimental data for embryonic stem cells (ESCs), showing site-dependent forces.
• Identified key cytoskeletal components: actin filaments (AFs) and microtubules (MTs) for stretching stiffness, and actin cortex (AC), actin bundles (ABs), and MTs for indentation rigidity.

Conclusions:

• The models quantify the mechanical roles of individual cytoskeletal elements in cell mechanics.
• Results enhance understanding of structure-function relationships in living cells under mechanical stress.