Abstract below

Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS, Université Paris Cité

Pushing and pulling forces by actin : from microscopic to macroscopic models

Abstract :

In cells, complex networks of filaments, called actin networks, generate large forces, allowing the cell to interact mechanically with its environment. In this talk, we will use a combination of simulations and analytical models to understand how macroscopic mechanics emerge from microscopic elements. In particular, we will be interested in pushing forces by actin, which emerge from the energy gained by filament polymerization and network mechanics. We show that the growth speed and pushing force of actin networks can be predicted by scaling arguments. We will also consider contractile networks made of actin filaments and molecular motors, that are usually represented theoretically as active gels. We find that some forms of active gel equations do accurately describe actin contraction. We will show that we can predict the contractile term from network architecture and motor properties.