Avalanches in simulations of branched actomyosin networks with the Arp2/3 complex

ORAL

Abstract

Actomyosin networks are ubiquitous in biology. They provide structure to cells and are involved in cell movement, growth, and division. The dynamics of actomyosin networks are active processes and are greatly influenced by actin binding-proteins (ABPs). These ABPs include both motor proteins (non-muscle myosin IIA heavy chain (NMIIA)) and cross-linker proteins (α-actinin). Another important ABP, the Arp2/3 complex, nucleates branched filaments thereby influencing the topology of the network. In this work, we simulate the spatiotemporal configurations of actomyosin networks with and without the Arp2/3 complex. The simulations show that the branched actomyosin networks that include the Arp2/3 complex exhibit sporadic convulsive movements, which we call avalanches, that release built-up stress in the network. We then identify and characterize these avalanches. The characteristics of these avalanches observed in the simulations are consistent with the recent experimental observation of “cytoquakes”.

*This work is supported by the National Science Foundation CHE 1743392 and the Center for Theoretical Biological Physics PHY 1427654.

–

Presenters

  • James Liman

    • Department of Bioengineering, Rice University

Authors

  • James Liman

    • Department of Bioengineering, Rice University

  • Carlos Bueno

    • Rice University
    • Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology, Rice University
    • Systems, Synthetic and Physical Biology, Rice University

  • Yossi Eliaz

    • Department of Physics, University of Houston
    • Physics, University of Houston; Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University

  • Nicholas Schafer

    • Rice University
    • Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University

  • Neal Waxham

    • University of Texas, Health Science Center
    • Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

  • Peter G Wolynes

    • Rice University
    • Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University

  • Herbert Levine

    • Department of Physics, Northeastern University
    • Rice Univ
    • Department of Bioengineering, Rice University

  • Margaret Cheung

    • Univ of Houston
    • Department of Physics, University of Houston; Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University
    • Department of Physics, University of Houston
    • Physics, University of Houston; Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University