A simulation environment for directional sensing as a phase separation process

Sci STKE. 2007 Mar 20;2007(378):pl1. doi: 10.1126/stke.3782007pl1.

Abstract

The ability of eukaryotic cells to navigate along spatial gradients of extracellular guidance cues is crucial for embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and cancer progression. One proposed model for chemotaxis is a phosphoinositide-based phase separation process, which takes place at the plasma membrane upon chemoattractant stimulation and triggers directional motility of eukaryotic cells. Here, we make available virtual-cell software that allows the execution and spatiotemporal analysis of in silico chemotaxis experiments, in which the user can control physical and chemical parameters as well as the number and position of chemoattractant sources.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane / physiology
  • Chemotactic Factors / pharmacology
  • Chemotaxis / drug effects
  • Chemotaxis / physiology*
  • Computer Simulation*
  • Computer Systems
  • Cytosol / physiology
  • Data Display
  • Eukaryotic Cells / drug effects
  • Eukaryotic Cells / physiology*
  • Membrane Lipids / physiology
  • Membrane Proteins / physiology
  • Microcomputers
  • Models, Biological*
  • Osmolar Concentration
  • Phosphatidylinositols / physiology
  • Software*
  • Stochastic Processes

Substances

  • Chemotactic Factors
  • Membrane Lipids
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Phosphatidylinositols