Computational modeling of single‐cell mechanics and cytoskeletal mechanobiology

• Published in: Wiley interdisciplinary reviews. Systems biology and medicine Vol. 10; no. 2
• Main Authors: Rajagopal, Vijay, Holmes, William R., Lee, Peter Vee Sin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.03.2018
• Subjects: Animals; Computer Simulation; Cytoskeleton - metabolism; Humans; Models, Biological; Signal Transduction
• ISSN: 1939-5094; 1939-005X
• DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1407

Cellular cytoskeletal mechanics plays a major role in many aspects of human health from organ development to wound healing, tissue homeostasis and cancer metastasis. We summarize the state‐of‐the‐art techniques for mathematically modeling cellular stiffness and mechanics and the cytoskeletal components and factors that regulate them. We highlight key experiments that have assisted model parameterization and compare the advantages of different models that have been used to recapitulate these experiments. An overview of feed‐forward mechanisms from signaling to cytoskeleton remodeling is provided, followed by a discussion of the rapidly growing niche of encapsulating feedback mechanisms from cytoskeletal and cell mechanics to signaling. We discuss broad areas of advancement that could accelerate research and understanding of cellular mechanobiology. A precise understanding of the molecular mechanisms that affect cell and tissue mechanics and function will underpin innovations in medical device technologies of the future. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2018, 10:e1407. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1407 This article is categorized under: Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models Physiology > Mammalian Physiology in Health and Disease Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Cellular Models A computational model of a cell embedded within a 3D collagen extracellular matrix depicting actin polymerization (green) at the front, and actomyosin filament contractions at the back (red). In this review we discuss mathematical modeling approaches to study cell and cytoskeletal mechanics and the experiments that have informed these models to date.