Physical Properties Determining Self-Organization of Motors and Microtubules

TLDR

Microtubules and motor proteins can self‑organize into diverse large‑scale patterns in eukaryotic cells. A simplified experimental system combined with computer simulations was used to study how motor concentration and kinetic parameters drive collective behavior. The study revealed that specific parameter combinations produce asters, vortices, and pole‑connected networks, and that this framework could link morphogenetic phenomena to biophysical properties.

Abstract

In eukaryotic cells, microtubules and their associated motor proteins can be organized into various large-scale patterns. Using a simplified experimental system combined with computer simulations, we examined how the concentrations and kinetic parameters of the motors contribute to their collective behavior. We observed self-organization of generic steady-state structures such as asters, vortices, and a network of interconnected poles. We identified parameter combinations that determine the generation of each of these structures. In general, this approach may become useful for correlating the morphogenetic phenomena taking place in a biological system with the biophysical characteristics of its constituents.