title: Contraction-driven cell motility.
abstract: We propose a mechanism for the initiation of cell motility that is based on myosin-induced contraction and does not require actin polymerization. The translocation of a cell is induced by symmetry breaking of the motor-driven flow, and the ensuing asymmetry gives rise to a steady motion of the center of mass of a cell. The predictions of the model are consistent with observations on keratocytes.
authors.affiliation: LMS, CNRS-UMR 7649, Ecole Polytechnique, Route de Saclay, 91128 Palaiseau, France.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Recho
authors.affiliation: LMS, CNRS-UMR 7649, Ecole Polytechnique, Route de Saclay, 91128 Palaiseau, France.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Putelat
authors.affiliation: LMS, CNRS-UMR 7649, Ecole Polytechnique, Route de Saclay, 91128 Palaiseau, France.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Truskinovsky
mesh_terms: D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D060527:Corneal Keratocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D009218:Myosins / Q000378:metabolism; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics
chemical_list: D000199:Actins; D009218:Myosins