Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 20, 2025
11:37
Generation of Aggregates of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells that Show Symmetry Breaking, Polarization and Emergent Collective Behaviour In Vitro
Published on: November 24, 2015
18.3K
Continuum Theory of Active Phase Separation in Cellular Aggregates.
Hui-Shun Kuan1,2,3, Wolfram Pönisch2,4,5, Frank Jülicher2,6,7
1Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|January 22, 2021
Summary
We developed a continuum theory for dense cellular aggregates, like biofilms and tumors. This active phase separation model explains aggregate formation and merging, linking timescales to active force turnover.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cellular Dynamics
- Theoretical Biology
Background:
- Dense cellular aggregates (biofilms, organoids, tumors) are ubiquitous in biology.
- Their dynamics are driven by intercellular forces and exist out of equilibrium.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a continuum theory for dense, active, cellular aggregates.
- To model aggregate formation as active phase separation and merging as viscoelastic droplet coalescence.
Main Methods:
- Developed a continuum theory based on bacterial colony dynamics.
- Analyzed aggregate formation and merging processes.
Main Results:
- Aggregate formation explained by active phase separation.
- Aggregate merging rationalized as coalescence of viscoelastic droplets.
- Key timescales linked to active force turnover.
Conclusions:
- The theory provides a general framework for dense cellular aggregates.
- Enables study of rheology and nonequilibrium dynamics.
- Applicable to diverse biological systems like biofilms and tumors.
Related Concept Videos
02:17Separation of Sister Chromatids
4.0K
At the transition from prophase to metaphase, there is a reduction in cohesion along the chromosomal arms, resulting in the resolution of sister chromatids. However, residual cohesin connections remain to hold the sister chromatids together until the transition from metaphase to anaphase. The residual connection prevents any premature separation of sister chromatids, blocking the risks of aneuploidy within the daughter cells.
At the onset of anaphase, separase, a proteolytic enzyme, is...
At the onset of anaphase, separase, a proteolytic enzyme, is...
4.0K
01:16Cell Motility through Blebbing
2.2K
Blebs are a type of membrane protrusion formed by the internal hydrostatic pressure of the cytoplasm. Blebs are observed in several cell types, including fibroblasts, immune cells, and single-celled organisms like the amoeba. The primary function of blebs is cell locomotion and apoptosis, but they are also found during necrosis and cell division. The life cycle of a bleb comprises an initiation phase followed by the expansion and retraction phases.
Blebbing Through the Matrix
In multicellular...
Blebbing Through the Matrix
In multicellular...
2.2K
02:17Microtubule Instability
5.6K
Microtubules are hollow cylindrical filaments having a diameter of approximately 25 nm and a length that varies from 200 nm to 25 μm. GTP-bound tubulin subunits form αβ-heterodimers for microtubule assembly. These core building blocks interact longitudinally, polymerizing into protofilaments. The protofilaments then interact with one another through lateral bonding forces to form stable cylindrical microtubules. These cylindrical filaments are dynamic as they undergo repeated...
5.6K
02:13Determining the Plane of Cell Division
3.6K
Positioning the cell division plane is a critical step during development and cell differentiation, particularly during mitosis when the plane is essential for determining the size of the two daughter cells. The cell division plane is perpendicular to the plane of chromosome segregation, but different types of organisms have different cell division mechanisms to suit their morphology and function.
Animal cells
In animal cells, the cleavage furrow forms along the plane of cell division...
Animal cells
In animal cells, the cleavage furrow forms along the plane of cell division...
3.6K
01:13Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility
6.1K
Actin is a family of globular proteins that are highly abundant in eukaryotic cells. It makes up approximately 1-5% of total cell protein concentration. Actin monomers polymerize to form a complex network of polarized filaments, the actin cytoskeleton, that plays a crucial role in many cellular processes, including cell motility, division, endocytosis, and metastasis of cancer cells.
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate....
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate....
6.1K
01:20Overview Of Cell Separation And Isolation
6.7K
Cell separation was first achieved in 1964 by S. H. Seal, who separated large tumor cells from the smaller blood cells using filtration. Two years later, Pohl and Hawk performed experiments on how cells respond differently to a nonuniform electric field based on the cell type. Such observations were the inception of cell separation methods, which allow isolating a single cell type from a heterogeneous sample.
6.7K