Dynamics of Cell Shape and Forces on Micropatterned Substrates Predicted by a Cellular Potts Model

TL;DR

This paper extends a cellular Potts model to predict cell shape and force dynamics on micropatterned substrates, accurately matching experimental data and forecasting behaviors on untested patterns.

Contribution

It introduces a novel extension of the cellular Potts model incorporating tension-elasticity elements to predict cell behavior without prior knowledge.

Findings

Model accurately predicts cell shape and force patterns.

Good agreement with experimental data.

Successfully forecasts behaviors on new micropatterns.

Abstract

Micropatterned substrates are often used to standardize cell experiments and to quantitatively study the relation between cell shape and function. Moreover, they are increasingly used in combination with traction force microscopy on soft elastic substrates. To predict the dynamics and steady states of cell shape and forces without any a priori knowledge of how the cell will spread on a given micropattern, here we extend earlier formulations of the two-dimensional cellular Potts model. The third dimension is treated as an area reservoir for spreading. To account for local contour reinforcement by peripheral bundles, we augment the cellular Potts model by elements of the tension-elasticity model. We first parameterize our model and show that it accounts for momentum conservation. We then demonstrate that it is in good agreement with experimental data for shape, spreading dynamics, and traction force patterns of cells on micropatterned substrates. We finally predict shapes and forces for micropatterns that have not yet been experimentally studied.