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Mechanical waves caused by collective cell migration: generation.

Ivana Pajic-Lijakovic1, Milan Milivojevic2

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Collective cell migration (CCM) generates mechanical waves in 3D systems, driven by viscoelasticity and active turbulence. Understanding these waves is crucial for processes like embryogenesis and cancer invasion.

Keywords:
Cell mobilityCell residual stress accumulationCollective cell migrationEffective inertiaThe active turbulenceThe state of viscoelasticity

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Cell Biology
  • Mathematical Modeling

Background:

  • Collective cell migration (CCM) drives long-timescale viscoelasticity and mechanical wave generation.
  • Active turbulence at low Reynolds numbers is linked to CCM, but poorly understood in 3D.
  • Mechanical waves in multicellular systems are vital for biological processes like embryogenesis, wound healing, and cancer invasion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the generation of mechanical waves during 3D CCM.
  • To analyze wave generation in two distinct 3D model systems: aggregate fusion and post-compression rounding.
  • To establish mechanical waves as a general characteristic of CCM.

Main Methods:

  • Modeling 3D collective cell migration.
  • Analyzing viscoelastic forces and surface tension interactions.
  • Investigating cell stress accumulation and distribution during CCM.

Main Results:

  • Mechanical waves are generated during 3D CCM in both model systems.
  • CCM is characterized by active turbulence and viscoelasticity.
  • The interplay between viscoelastic and surface tension forces drives system stiffening and softening.

Conclusions:

  • Mechanical waves are an inherent feature of 3D CCM.
  • Understanding wave generation in 3D is critical for biological applications.
  • Modeling CCM provides insights into the controversial topic of mechanical wave generation.