One-dimensional modeling and simulations of migration of cultured fibroblasts

Pei Jung Wu, Chou Ching K. Lin, Ming Shaung Ju

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Cell migration is crucial for many physiological functions such as wound healing, immuno-response and carcinogenesis. In this study an one-dimensional model of migration of fibroblasts was developed by modeling and integrating five subcellular processes, namely, actin protrusion, focal adhesion formation, stress fiber formation, polarization and retraction. The direction of migration was determined by polarization, which was related to direction of the stiffness gradient of the substrate. By controlling intensity of ultraviolet exposure on type-I collagen, a substrate with a stiffness gradient could be fabricated. Kinematic analyses of positions of the cell front, the nucleus and the cell rear, were utilized as inputs to the model. Simulation results of five live NIH 3T3 fibroblasts showed that the model was capable of simulating fast moving, slow moving and back-and-forth moving of the cells on the substrate.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1450027
JournalJournal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology
Volume14
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014 Apr

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Biomedical Engineering

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