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A poroelastic model
for cell crawling including mechanical coupling between
cytoskeletal contraction and actin polymerization
Larry A. Taber, Yunfei Shi, Le Yang and Philip V. Bayly |
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Vol. 6 (2011), No. 1-4, 569–589
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Abstract |
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Much is known about the biophysical mechanisms involved in cell crawling, but how these processes are coordinated to produce directed motion is not well understood. Here, we propose a new hypothesis whereby local cytoskeletal contraction generates fluid flow through the lamellipodium, with the pressure at the front of the cell facilitating actin polymerization which pushes the leading edge forward. The contraction, in turn, is regulated by stress in the cytoskeleton. To test this hypothesis, finite element models for a crawling cell are presented. These models are based on nonlinear poroelasticity theory, modified to include the effects of active contraction and growth, which are regulated by mechanical feedback laws. Results from the models agree reasonably well with published experimental data for cell speed, actin flow, and cytoskeletal deformation in migrating fish epidermal keratocytes. The models also suggest that oscillations can occur for certain ranges of parameter values. |
Keywords
cell migration, poroelasticity, keratocyte
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Milestones
Received: 19 April 2010
Revised: 16 September 2010
Accepted: 30 September 2010
Published: 28 June 2011
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Authors |
| Larry A. Taber | |
| Department of Biomedical
Engineering Washington University 1 Brookings Drive, Box 1097 St. Louis, MO 63130 United States |
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| Yunfei Shi | |
| Department of Biomedical
Engineering Washington University 1 Brookings Drive, Box 1097 St. Louis, MO 63130 United States |
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| Le Yang | |
| Department of Biomedical
Engineering Washington University 1 Brookings Drive, Box 1097 St. Louis, MO 63130 United States |
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| Philip V. Bayly | |
| Department of Mechanical Engineering
and Materials Science Washington University 1 Brookings Drive, Box 1097 St. Louis, MO 63130 United States |
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