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Cell orientation under stretch: Stability of a linear viscoelastic model.
Giulio Lucci1, Chiara Giverso2, Luigi Preziosi2
1Department of Mathematical Sciences "G.L. Lagrange" Dipartimento di Eccellenza 2018-2022, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy; Department of Mathematics "G. Peano", Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Carlo Alberto 10, 10123 Turin, Italy.
Mathematical Biosciences
|May 20, 2021
Summary
Cellular orientation dynamics under cyclic stretch are influenced by mechanical stimuli. Faster reorientation occurs when oscillation periods are shorter than the cytoskeleton turnover rate.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Biophysics
- Mechanobiology
Background:
- Cells are sensitive to microenvironmental changes, especially mechanical stimuli.
- External cyclic stretch can induce reorganization of cellular structures like actin stress fibers and focal adhesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of mechanical stimulus frequency on cell orientation dynamics.
- To develop a model for coupled cellular stress and orientation angle evolution.
Main Methods:
- Linear viscoelastic modeling of cell behavior under cyclic stretch.
- Bifurcation analysis to confirm equilibrium orientation predictions.
- Computational simulations to analyze orientation dynamics and convergence speed.
Main Results:
- Cell orientation oscillates and converges to an angle predicted by elastic energy minimization.
- A transition in convergence speed is observed related to the viscoelastic properties of the material.
- Faster reorientation occurs at higher frequencies (shorter oscillation periods).
Conclusions:
- The study provides a model for understanding cell reorientation dynamics under mechanical stress.
- Frequency-dependent reorientation is linked to the cytoskeleton and integrin turnover rates.
- Findings have implications for mechanobiology and understanding cellular responses to mechanical cues.
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