The role of actin protrusion dynamics in cell migration through a degradable viscoelastic extracellular matrix: Insights from a computational model

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007250
• Publication Date: 2020-01-13T18:39:47Z
• Authors: Tommy Heck; Diego A. Vargas; Bart Smeets; Herman Ramon; Paul Van Liedekerke; Hans Van Oosterwyck
• Keywords: Lamellipodium

Actin protrusion dynamics plays an important role in the regulation of three-dimensional (3D) cell migration. Cells form protrusions that adhere to surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM), mechanically probe ECM and contract order displace body. This results migration can be directed by mechanical anisotropy ECM. However, subcellular processes regulate 3D are difficult investigate experimentally therefore not well understood. Here, we present a computational model through degradable viscoelastic is 2D representation The modeled as active deformable object captures behavior actin cortex underlying regarded material, with or without due fibrillar strain stiffening, means meshless Lagrangian smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method. degradation captured local fluidization material permits We demonstrate changes stiffness strength affect accompanied number, lifetime length protrusions. Interestingly, directly changing total number average does A stochastic variability proves enough explain differences velocity. Force-dependent adhesion disassembly result faster migration, but make more efficient. also when simultaneous enforced, optimal one two, depending on anisotropy. Together, provides non-trivial new insights valuable contribution increase understanding mechanics.