Physical forces guide curvature sensing and cell migration mode bifurcating.

Area of Science:

• Cell biology
• Biophysics
• Mechanobiology

Background:

• Cellular adaptation to topographical features is crucial for tissue development and disease.
• Mechanisms by which cells sense and respond to surface curvature are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the curvature sensing mechanism in individual cells and multicellular assemblies.
• To identify how surface tension influences cell migration modes based on topographical cues.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a phase-field model to track molecular flows and mechanical force transduction.
• Investigated surface tension-driven selective activation of actin and integrin pathways.
• Observed bifurcating cell migration modes (focal adhesion formation and actin cable assembly).

Main Results:

• Surface tension directs cell migration by activating distinct molecular flows at convex and concave edges.
• Focal adhesion formation drives crawling on convex surfaces, while actin cable assembly facilitates pulling on concave surfaces.
• Multicellular assemblies exhibit more efficient curvature sensing than individual cells, indicating collective intelligence.

Conclusions:

• Cells possess a sophisticated curvature sensing mechanism regulated by surface tension and molecular flows.
• This mechanism enables adaptive cell migration, crucial for processes like organ morphogenesis and wound healing.
• Collective cell behavior enhances sensing efficiency, offering insights into emergent properties of living systems.