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Quantitative Analysis of Cell Edge Dynamics during Cell Spreading
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Phase-field approach to cellular blebbing.

Kaihua Ji1,2, Herbert Levine3, Alain Karma1

  • 1Northeastern University, Physics Department and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Complex Systems, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.

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|April 18, 2026
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Cell blebs, membrane bulges crucial for biological processes, have their shape and stability modeled by a new dual phase-field approach. This computational model explains bleb formation mechanisms, offering insights into cell mechanics.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Computational Biology

Background:

  • Cellular blebs, or plasma membrane bulges, are integral to various biological processes.
  • The precise mechanisms governing bleb shape and stability are not fully understood.
  • Understanding blebbing is key to deciphering cell mechanics and dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a quantitative model for three-dimensional bleb formation.
  • To investigate the factors controlling the shape and stability of cellular blebs.
  • To elucidate the distinct mechanisms of bleb formation based on plasma membrane or actin cortex behavior.

Main Methods:

  • A dual phase-field model with coupled order parameters was developed.
  • The model represents the cell cortex and plasma membrane interactions.
  • Simulations and sharp-interface analyses were employed to study blebbing dynamics.

Main Results:

  • The model quantitatively predicts blebbing in three dimensions.
  • Two distinct bleb formation pathways were identified: discontinuous (saddle-node bifurcation) and continuous (cortical tension).
  • Model predictions align well with experimental data for laser-induced cortex rupture.

Conclusions:

  • The dual phase-field model provides a robust framework for studying cell blebbing.
  • Bleb formation dynamics are dependent on whether the plasma membrane detaches or the actin cortex ruptures.
  • This study enhances the understanding of cell mechanics and membrane dynamics.