Reversible elastic phase field approach and application to cell monolayers

Motion and generation of forces by single cells and cell collectives are essential elements of many biological processes, including development, wound healing and cancer cell migration. Quantitative wound healing assays have demonstrated that cell monolayers can be both dynamic and elastic at the sa...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Chojowski, Robert (Author) , Schwarz, Ulrich S. (Author) , Ziebert, Falko (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: 1 October 2020
In: The European physical journal. E, Soft matter
Year: 2020, Volume: 43
ISSN:1292-895X
DOI:10.1140/epje/i2020-11988-1
Online Access:Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1140/epje/i2020-11988-1
Get full text
Author Notes:Robert Chojowski, Ulrich S. Schwarz, and Falko Ziebert
Description
Summary:Motion and generation of forces by single cells and cell collectives are essential elements of many biological processes, including development, wound healing and cancer cell migration. Quantitative wound healing assays have demonstrated that cell monolayers can be both dynamic and elastic at the same time. However, it is very challenging to model this combination with conventional approaches. Here we introduce an elastic phase field approach that allows us to predict the dynamics of elastic sheets under the action of active stresses and localized forces, e.g. from leader cells. Our method ensures elastic reversibility after release of forces. We demonstrate its potential by studying several paradigmatic situations and geometries relevant for single cells and cell monolayers, including elastic bars, contractile discs and expanding monolayers with leader cells.
Item Description:Gesehen am 03.11.2020
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:1292-895X
DOI:10.1140/epje/i2020-11988-1