Cell membranes after malignant transformation. Part II: Dynamic stability with surface chemical reactions

The dynamic stability of cell membranes in presence of chemical reactions is analysed using the same hydrodynamic cell model as in Part I, with a spherical geometry. Chemical reactions give an additional contribution leading to instability even for positive total surface tension. The mechanical properties of the surface change drastically via the gradient of the surface tension (mechano-chemical coupling). An enzymatic regulation of cell division is proposed, via cAMP. Loss of contact-inhibition of division in cancer cells is interpreted as a lowering of the threshold for cell division, which is not modified at confluence. In that sense, failure of control mechanism in cancer cells is of more significance than rapid growth.