Dynamics of cell shape and forces on micropatterned substrates predicted by a cellular Potts model.

ABSTRACT: Micropatterned substrates are often used to standardize cell experiments and to quantitatively study the relation between cell shape and function. Moreover, they are increasingly used in combination with traction force microscopy on soft elastic substrates. To predict the dynamics and steady states of cell shape and forces without any a priori knowledge of how the cell will spread on a given micropattern, here we extend earlier formulations of the two-dimensional cellular Potts model. The third dimension is treated as an area reservoir for spreading. To account for local contour reinforcement by peripheral bundles, we augment the cellular Potts model by elements of the tension-elasticity model. We first parameterize our model and show that it accounts for momentum conservation. We then dem

SUBMITTER: Albert PJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4052361 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature