title: Active force generation in cross-linked filament bundles without motor proteins.
abstract: Cytoskeletal filaments often interact laterally through cross-linking proteins, contributing to passive cellular viscoelasticity and, perhaps surprisingly, active force generation. We present a theory, based on the formation and rupture of cross-linker bonds, that relates molecular properties of those interactions to the macroscale mechanics of filament bundles. Computing the force-velocity relation for such a bundle, we demonstrate significant contractile forces in the absence of molecular motors. This theory provides insight into cytokinesis, cytoskeletal mechanics, and stress-fiber contraction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering and Johns Hopkins Physical Science in Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA.
authors.forename: Sam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Walcott
authors.forename: Sean X
authors.initials: SX
authors.lastname: Sun
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000378:metabolism; D017276:Friction; D055595:Mechanical Phenomena; D008954:Models, Biological; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D009068:Movement
chemical_list: D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins