Protein friction and filament bending facilitate contraction of disordered actomyosin networks.

ABSTRACT: We use mathematical modeling and computation to investigate how protein friction facilitates contraction of disordered actomyosin networks. We simulate two-dimensional networks using an agent-based model, consisting of a system of force-balance equations for myosin motor proteins and semiflexible actin filaments. A major advantage of our approach is that it enables direct calculation of the network stress tensor, which provides a quantitative measure of contractility. Exploiting this, we use repeated simulations of disordered networks to confirm that both protein friction and actin filament bending are required for contraction. We then use simulations of elementary two-filament systems to show that filament bending flexibility can facilitate contraction on the microscopic scale. Finally, w

SUBMITTER: Tam AKY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8510976 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature