Motion of an adhesive gel in a swelling gradient: a mechanism for cell locomotion.
Motivated by the motion of nematode sperm cells, we present a model for the motion of an adhesive gel on a solid substrate. The gel polymerizes at the leading edge and depolymerizes at the rear. The motion results from a competition between a self-generated swelling gradient and the adhesion on the substrate. The resulting stress provokes the rupture of the adhesion points and allows for the motion. The model predicts an unusual force-velocity relation which depends in significant ways on the point of application of the force.
Physicochimie Curie (CNRS-UMR168), Institut Curie Section Recherche, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France.
Jean-François
JF
Joanny
Frank
F
Jülicher
Jacques
J
Prost
D000269:Adhesives / Q000737:chemistry*; D000818:Animals; D001200:Ascaris; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D004548:Elasticity; D005782:Gels / Q000737:chemistry*; D008297:Male; D008956:Models, Chemical; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology
D000269:Adhesives; D005782:Gels