Numerical Modelling of Actin Cytoskeleton

Abstract

Over the last decade there has been a lot of interest in understanding the microscopic properties of network polymers because the networks of filamentous proteins play a crucial role in cell mechanics. These networks largely determine the viscoelastic response of cells. We study various model systems of cross-linked filaments in order to explore the connection between the topology under strain and the macroscopic response of cytoskeletal networks. We find that the behaviour of these networks is largely dependent on the random architecture and the cross linking density of the network. An account for the motility of the cells has also been included in the study by putting the topology under a predefined thermal field.