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The Mechanics of Poro-Elastic Contractile Actomyosin Networks As a Model System of the Cell Cytoskeleton
Published on: March 10, 2023
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From pulsatile apicomedial contractility to effective epithelial mechanics
Guy B Blanchard1, Jocelyn Étienne2, Nicole Gorfinkiel3
1Department Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Univ. Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
|August 5, 2018
Summary
This review explores the biomechanics of apicomedial actomyosin, focusing on how its contractility influences tissue deformation. It examines the interplay between biochemical oscillations and mechanical context in driving myosin pulses.
Area of Science:
- Cellular and Tissue Biomechanics
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Apicomedial actomyosin contractility is crucial for tissue morphogenesis.
- The precise mechanisms linking biochemical oscillations to mechanical modulation of myosin pulses are not fully understood.
- Tissue-level behaviors are influenced by actin material properties, component connectivity, and external tissue interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding apicomedial actomyosin biomechanics.
- To explore how actomyosin contractility leads to tissue tensing and deformation.
- To discuss the application of constitutive equations in modeling epithelial apex mechanics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent developments in apicomedial actomyosin biomechanics.
- Analysis of the role of biochemical oscillators in myosin pulsing.
- Examination of material properties and inter-tissue influences on tissue behavior.
- Review of constitutive equations for modeling epithelial mechanics.
Main Results:
- Actomyosin contractility significantly impacts tissue shape and tension.
- Mechanical context plays a role in modulating myosin pulses, though the exact mechanisms require further elucidation.
- Constitutive equations provide a framework for analyzing the mechanical behavior of epithelial apices.
Conclusions:
- Understanding apicomedial actomyosin biomechanics is key to deciphering tissue deformation.
- Further research is needed to clarify the feedback between mechanical context and biochemical oscillators in myosin pulsing.
- Constitutive modeling offers valuable insights into the mechanics of epithelial tissues driven by actomyosin contractility.
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