Active Mechanics of Self Locomotion
Lev Truskinovsky
Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), ESPCI Paris Tech
ABSTRACT: The ability of cells to self-propel is essential for most biological processes. While the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of such motility are basically known, the underlying mechanical theory of active continuum media is still under development. In this talk we show how to build a mathematical model which describes crawling of keratocytes, flattened cells with fibroblastic functions, that self-propel by advancing the front and retracting the rear. The two main components of such motility mechanism, protrusion, and contraction, depend on continuous supply of energy, which makes the underlying mechanics active. To bring mathematical transparency to the interplay between contraction and protrusion we use a minimal description based on the Keller–Segel type dynamical system with mechanical feedback.
