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Computational Modeling of Biological Systems pp 231–256Cite as

Computer Simulations of Mechano-Chemical Networks Choreographing Actin Dynamics in Cell Motility

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Abstract

In eukaryotic cells, cell motility is largely driven by self-assembly and growth of filamentous networks comprised of actin. Numerous proteins regulate actin network dynamics either biochemically, or through mechanical interactions. This regulation is rather complex, intricately coordinated both spatially and temporally. Although experiments in vivo and in vitro have provided a trove of structural and biochemical information about actin-based cell motility processes, experimental data is not always easy to interpret unambiguously, sometimes various interpretations being in contradiction with each other. Hence, mathematical modeling approaches are necessary for providing a physical foundation for interpreting and guiding experiments. In particular, computer simulations based on physicochemical interactions provide a systems-level description of protrusion dynamics. In this contribution, we review recent progress in modeling actin-based cell motility using detailed computer simulations. We elaborate on the way actin network dynamics is determined by the interplay between chemical reactions, mechanical feedbacks, and transport bottlenecks. We also discuss the role of inherent randomness of elementary chemical reactions in determining the dynamical behavior of the mechano-chemical network controlling actin polymerization and growth.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful for the support from the National Science Foundation under CAREER award CHE-0846701.

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  1. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA

    Pavel I. Zhuravlev, Longhua Hu & Garegin A. Papoian

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  1. Pavel I. Zhuravlev
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  2. Longhua Hu
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Correspondence to Garegin A. Papoian .

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    Nikolay V Dokholyan

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Zhuravlev, P.I., Hu, L., Papoian, G.A. (2012). Computer Simulations of Mechano-Chemical Networks Choreographing Actin Dynamics in Cell Motility. In: Dokholyan, N. (eds) Computational Modeling of Biological Systems. Biological and Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-2146-7_10

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