Computational model of vascular smooth muscle cell.

abstract

English

The cytoskeleton plays a vital role in defining the mechanical behavior of cell subjected to external mechanical stimuli. The cellular tensegrity model views the cytoskeleton as a reticulated mechanical structure, where the tensile prestress generated by actomyosin filaments is balanced internally via compression-supporting stuctures such as microtubules and externally via extracellular matrix. The 3D finite element model of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) presented here is based on hybrid modelling approach, where the cytoplasm and the nucleus (violet) are modelled using continuum approach and the cytoskeleton is modelled using microstructural approach. The structural arrangement and elastic properties of the constituents of the cytoskeletal network are based on the experimental observations and measurements respectively and are obtained from the literature. The non-contractile actin cortex underneath the plasma membrane is modelled using shell elements, the actin bundles (light blue) located at cell periphery are modelled as prestressed link elements, the microtubules (green) in star-like shape originating from the centrosome to the cortex are modelled using beam elements, and the dense network of intermediate filaments (red) in perinuclear region are also modelled using link elements in tension but active only at large deformations. Thus, the computational model presented here is optimized to achieve more reliable results by taking into consideration the inherent nature of individual filament type and their structural arrangement in the cell.

Cell mechanics, computational models, Tensegritys

BANSOD, Y.; BURŠA, J.

20. 5. 2015

XXIII Cytoskeletal Club, Veterinary Research Institute, Masaryk University.

Vranovska Ves, Czech Republic.