Math Biology Seminar: Cole Zmurchok

Signalling networks of Rho GTPases regulate single and collective cell migration. Mechanical effects, such as membrane tension and cell-cell pulling forces, also play a role in these networks. We couple a 1D ODE model for GTPase signalling within a cell with a simple model of cell mechanics. By coupling GTPase activation to membrane tension or pulling forces, we characterize the possible feedback loops that regulate cell length. We extend the single-cell model to a multicellular group by assuming that cell-cell junctions are responsible for transmitting forces to neighbouring cells. The interplay between cell-cell mechanics and GTPase signalling is responsible for the emergence of coordinated migratory behaviour in the model. This suggests that a core network of mechanical signals and GTPase signalling can organize multicellular migration.