Role of the Cell Cycle in Collective Cell Dynamics

Cells coexist together in colonies or as tissues. Their behavior is controlled by an interplay between intercellular forces and biochemical regulation. We develop a simple model of the cell cycle, the fundamental regulatory network controlling growth and division, and couple this to the physical forces arising within the cell collective. We analyze this model using both particle-based computer simulations and a continuum theory. We focus on 2D colonies confined in a channel. These develop moving growth fronts of dividing cells with quiescent cells in the interior. The profile and speed of these fronts are nontrivially related to the substrate friction and the cell-cycle parameters, providing a possible approach to measure such parameters in experiments.

Automated summary

Cells coexist in colonies or tissues, their behavior is controlled by intercellular forces and biochemical regulation. Researchers develop a simple model of the cell cycle and couple it with physical forces within the cell collective, analyzing it through computer simulations and a continuum theory. The study focuses on 2D colonies confined in a channel, showing the relationship between substrate friction and cell-cycle parameters in measuring these parameters experimentally.