Patterning and polarization of cells by intracellular flows

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Biochemical networks traditionally studied for pattern formation.
• Increasing recognition of physical and mechanical processes influencing biochemical networks.

Purpose of the Study:

• Review cellular fluid flows and their generation.
• Highlight advances in understanding flow-driven intracellular patterning.
• Connect flows to processes like cell polarity establishment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of cellular fluid dynamics.
• Analysis of cytoplasm, membrane, and actin cortex as fluid systems.
• Examination of molecular transport mechanisms coupled to flows.

Main Results:

• Cellular components like cytoplasm and actin cortex exhibit fluid-like properties.
• Fluid flows facilitate long-range molecular transport within cells.
• Flows significantly shape intracellular molecular distributions and spatial organization.

Conclusions:

• Cellular fluid flows are integral to intracellular patterning.
• Understanding flow generation and impact is key to deciphering cell organization.
• Flows play a critical role in establishing cell polarity.