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Nonequilibrium biochemical structures in two space dimensions with local activation and regulation
1Grenoble-Alpes University, CNRS, LIPHy, 38000, Grenoble, France.
Physical Review. E
|February 20, 2020
Summary
This study models integrin receptor clustering, revealing how protein conformational changes drive digital signaling and cell adhesion. The model explains how receptor competition reinforces mechanical linkages with the extracellular matrix.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Biophysics
- Systems Biology
Background:
- Integrin receptor (IR) clustering exemplifies biological pattern self-organization.
- Cellular signal transduction involves proteins cycling between conformational states influenced by their environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model integrin receptor activation based on protein conformational dynamics.
- To investigate how receptor clustering leads to digital signaling and mechanical reinforcement.
Main Methods:
- Stochastic simulations of a simplified activation pathway.
- Analysis in the limit of a small number of molecules.
- Incorporation of environment-dependent conformational dynamics.
Main Results:
- Coherent integrin receptor clustering can generate digital signaling.
- Receptor competition is observed, reinforcing mechanical linkage with the extracellular matrix.
- The model provides a mechanism for cell integrin adhesive structures.
Conclusions:
- The model offers a workable framework for cell integrin adhesive structures, particularly with dominant membrane-mediated feedback.
- Discusses consequences in relation to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) production for cell signaling.
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