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Continuum description of the cytoskeleton: ring formation in the cell cortex.

TitleContinuum description of the cytoskeleton: ring formation in the cell cortex.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2005
AuthorsZumdieck, A, Cosentino Lagomarsino, M, Tanase, C, Kruse, K, Mulder, B, Dogterom, M, Jülicher, F
JournalPhys Rev Lett
Volume95
Issue25
Pagination258103
Date Published2005 Dec 16
ISSN0031-9007
KeywordsBiological Clocks, Computer Simulation, Cytoskeletal Proteins, Cytoskeleton, Models, Biological, Models, Chemical, Molecular Motor Proteins
Abstract

Motivated by the formation of ringlike filament structures in the cortex of plant and animal cells, we study the dynamics of a two-dimensional layer of cytoskeletal filaments and motor proteins near a surface by a general continuum theory. As a result of active processes, dynamic patterns of filament orientation and density emerge via instabilities. We show that self-organization phenomena can lead to the formation of stationary and oscillating rings. We present state diagrams that reveal a rich scenario of asymptotic behaviors and discuss the role of boundary conditions.

Alternate JournalPhys. Rev. Lett.
PubMed ID16384514

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