Non-equilibrium cytoquake dynamics in cytoskeletal remodeling and stabilization

Author(s)

Alencar, Adriano Mesquita ; Ayres Ferraz, Mariana Sacrini ; Park, Chan Young ; Millet, Emil ; Trepat, Xavier ; Fredberg, Jeffrey J. ; Butler, James P.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SOFT MATTER; v. 12, n. 41, p. 8506-8511, 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

The cytoskeleton (CSK) is a tensed fiber framework that supports, shapes and stabilizes the cell. The CSK is in a constant state of remodeling, moreover, which is an active non-equilibrium thermodynamic process. We report here that cytoskeletal remodeling involves reconfigurations that are not only sudden but also are transmitted to great distances within the cell in a fashion reminiscent of quakes in the Earth's crust. Remarkably, these events in the cell conform both qualitatively and quantitatively to empirical laws typical of earthquakes, including hierarchical fault structures, cumulative energy distributions following the Gutenberg-Richter law, and rate of after-shocks following Omori's law. While it is well-established that remodeling and stabilization of the cytoskeleton are non-equilibrium process, these new unanticipated observations establish that these processes are also remarkably non-local and strongly cooperative. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/18322-9 - Study of the micro beads and nano particles diffusion in living cells
• Grantee: Adriano Mesquita Alencar
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/22102-2 - Characterization of cardiomyocytes dynamics by traction force microscopy (TFM) and Speckle
• Grantee: Adriano Mesquita Alencar
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants