Mechanical power is maximized during contractile ring-like formation in a biomimetic dividing cell model.

ABSTRACT: The spatial and temporal dynamics of forces in cells coordinate essential behaviors like division, polarization, and migration. While intracellular signaling initiates contractile ring assembly during cell division, how mechanical forces coordinate division and their energetic costs remain unclear. Here, we develop an in vitro model where myosin-induced stress drives division-like shape changes in giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs, liposomes). Myosin activity is controlled by light patterns globally or locally at the equator. Global activation causes slow, shallow cleavage furrows due to a tug-of-war between the equatorial and polar forces. By contrast, local activation leads to faster, deeper, and symmetric division as equatorial forces dominate. Dissociating the actin cortex at the poles

SUBMITTER: Sakamoto R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11551154 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature