Dynamic Actomyosin Network Morphology in 3D Model of Cytokinetic Ring Assembly

Abstract

Cofilin-mediated remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton is critical for many cellular processes. Cofilin changes the filament structure and renders

Force Generation by Molecular-Motor-Powered Microtubule Bundles; Implications for Neuronal Polarization and Growth

“…Our work, although presented in the context of axon initiation and growth, is relevant also for many other cellular processes in which such bundles play a key role, such as mitosis, blood platelet formation, and apoptosis (Scholey et al, 2003 ; Patel et al, 2005 ). The approach we took is intermediate between detailed computer simulations (Nédélec, 2002 ; Mogilner et al, 2006 ; Paul et al, 2009 ; Kim, 2014 ; Bidone et al, 2015 ; Ward et al, 2015 ), in which the motion and power-stroke dynamics of all individual motors are accounted for explicitly, and continuum approaches (Kruse and Julicher, 2000 ; Kruse et al, 2003 ; Liverpool and Marchetti, 2003 ; Ziebert and Zimmermann, 2005 ), which account for the motor-induced fluxes of filaments in an average manner, and in which only pairs of interacting filaments are taken into consideration. Our approach enabled us to investigate the dynamics exhibited by heavily cross-linked bundles of filaments.…”

“…They also provide the opportunity to dissect the contribution of individual molecular constituents to the overall macroscopic behavior of the system and determine the most crucial parameters for force generation. Models of both actomyosin and MT bundles have been reported and studied in different contexts such as stress fiber formation and cytokinesis (Nédélec, 2002 ; Mogilner et al, 2006 ; Paul et al, 2009 ; Lenz et al, 2012 ; Kim, 2014 ; Bidone et al, 2015 ; Ward et al, 2015 ).…”