The role of the cell cycle in collective cell dynamics

TL;DR

This paper presents a combined computational and theoretical model of cell cycle dynamics within confined 2D colonies, revealing how physical forces and biochemical regulation influence colony growth and front propagation.

Contribution

It introduces a novel integrated model coupling cell cycle regulation with physical forces in cell collectives, analyzed through simulations and continuum theory.

Findings

Growth front speed depends on substrate friction and cell cycle parameters.

Confined colonies develop moving growth fronts with quiescent interior cells.

The model suggests experimental ways to measure cell cycle parameters.

Abstract

Cells coexist together in colonies or as tissues. Their behaviour 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 analyse 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 non-trivially related to the substrate friction and the cell cycle parameters, providing a possible approach to measure such parameters in experiments.