Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
BioQuant, Heidelberg University, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
Eur Phys J E Soft Matter. 2020 Oct 1;43(10):63. doi: 10.1140/epje/i2020-11988-1.
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.
单细胞和细胞集体的运动和力的产生是许多生物过程的基本要素，包括发育、伤口愈合和癌细胞迁移。定量伤口愈合测定表明，细胞单层在同一时间既可以是动态的，又可以是有弹性的。然而，用传统方法来模拟这种组合是非常具有挑战性的。在这里，我们引入了一种弹性相场方法，使我们能够预测在主动应力和局部力（例如来自先导细胞）作用下弹性板的动力学。我们的方法确保在释放力后具有弹性可逆性。我们通过研究几个与单细胞和细胞单层相关的范例情况和几何形状来证明其潜力，包括弹性棒、收缩盘和带有先导细胞的扩展单层。
