Optimal control of collective electrotaxis in epithelial monolayers

Area of Science:

• Cell biology
• Biophysics
• Mathematical modeling

Background:

• Epithelial monolayers are widely used models for collective cell migration.
• Electrotaxis, steering cell migration with electric fields, is experimentally established but lacks theoretical design principles.
• Controlling spatiotemporal movement patterns of migrating cells remains a challenge.

Approach:

• Developed and calibrated an ordinary differential equation model to predict epithelial monolayer velocity under electric field stimulation.
• Integrated optimal control theory with the predictive model.
• Derived optimal electric field designs for specific migration control objectives.

Key Points:

• The model accurately predicts the average velocity of collective cell migration in response to electric fields.
• Optimal control strategies were derived to maximize distance, velocity, or maintain constant velocity.
• This work establishes a unified framework for designing electric fields to steer collective cell migration.

Conclusions:

• Provides the first unified framework for optimal control of collective monolayer electrotaxis.
• Offers a blueprint for designing external cues to precisely control collective cell migration.
• Advances the theoretical understanding and practical application of electrotaxis in biological systems.