General theory for the mechanics of confined microtubule asters

Scientific paper - Original scientific paper

• Author: Rui Ma
• Author: Liedewij Laan
• Author: Marileen Dogterom
• Author: Nenad Pavin
• Author: Frank Jülicher
• Author's institution: University of Zagreb; Faculty of Science; (Department of Physics)
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: NATURAL SCIENCES; Physics

Abstract (english)

In cells, dynamic microtubules organize into asters or spindles to assist positioning of organelles. Two types of forces are suggested to contribute to the positioning process: (i) microtubule-growth based pushing forces ; and (ii) motor protein mediated pulling forces. In this paper, we present a general theory to account for aster positioning in a confinement of arbitrary shape. The theory takes account of microtubule nucleation, growth, catastrophe, slipping, as well as interaction with cortical force generators. We calculate microtubule distributions and forces acting on microtubule organizing centers in a sphere and in an ellipsoid. Positioning mechanisms based on both pushing forces and pulling forces can be distinguished in our theory for different parameter regimes or in different geometries. In addition, we investigate positioning of microtubule asters in the case of asymmetric distribution of motors. This analysis enables us to characterize situations relevant for Caenorrhabditis elegans embryos.

• Keywords (english): caenorhabditis-elegans embryo; cortical dynein; force generators; pulling forces; spindle; position; dynamics; cells; elongation; nuclear
• Language: english
• Publication type: Scientific paper - Original scientific paper
• Publication status: Published
• Peer review: Peer review - international
• Publication version: Published version
• Journal title: New Journal of Physics
• Numbering: vol. 16, 013018-20
• e-ISSN: 1367-2630
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/16/1/013018
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:217:454478
• Publication: 2014
• Document URL: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1367-2630/16/1/013018
• Type of resource: Text
• Access conditions: Open access
• Public note: © 2014 IOP Publishing Ltd and Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft. Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licence. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI. Received 27 July 2013; Revised 17 November 2013; Accepted for publication 12 December 2013; Published 15 January 2014.
• Created on: 2019-11-27 22:00:48