A formalism for modelling traction forces and cell shape evolution during cell migration in various biomedical...

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Computational Biology
• Mechanobiology

Background:

• Existing phenomenological models describe cell shape deformation and migration.
• Cellular processes like differentiation and matrix interactions influence cell behavior.
• Understanding cell migration is crucial for developmental biology and disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend existing models of cell migration and shape deformation.
• To incorporate cell traction forces and differentiation-induced shape evolution.
• To model plastic deformations of the extracellular matrix using morphoelasticity.

Main Methods:

• The finite element method (FEM) was employed to solve the derived partial differential equations.
• Morphoelasticity theory was used to model plastic deformations of the extracellular matrix.
• A Monte Carlo framework was utilized to reproduce experimental observations of cancer cell transmigration.

Main Results:

• The enhanced model successfully simulates cell migration and shape evolution under various biological conditions.
• The model incorporates the influence of cell traction forces and differentiation on cell shape.
• Plasticity of the extracellular matrix is accounted for through morphoelasticity.

Conclusions:

• The extended model provides a more comprehensive framework for studying cell migration and shape dynamics.
• The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of cell behavior in complex biological environments.
• The model's ability to reproduce experimental data validates its predictive power for cell transmigration.