Sommaire:

The cortex is a thin layer located beneath the membrane of animal cells. It governs important cell mechanical properties, including cell shape. It is composed of a dense network of actin filaments and actin-binding proteins, in particular myosin motors. Myosins generate active stresses in the actin network and make it behave as an active material. The spatiotemporal organization of the cortex is tightly coupled to that of signaling molecules, in particular Rho GTPases. Indeed, the interaction between actin, myosin and Rho GTPases can give rise to self-organized patterns. Thus far, studies have focused on spatially extended patterns, like actin polymerization waves. However, spatially localized patterns are also observed in the cortex, whereby isolated spots enriched in actin, myosin and signaling molecules play a role in crucial processes, including cancer invasion. What is the origin of such isolated structures? We use a simple physical theory to show that they can emerge from the coupling between active cortical mechanics and signaling reactions, through an instability called "slanted snaking". Beyond single cells, our theory could also explain the origin of spatially localized, mechanochemical cues in tissue morphogenesis.

Please contact J. Palmeri (L2C) for the webinar link

Pour plus d'informations, merci de contacter Palmeri J.