Physical configurations of a cell doublet with line tension, a theoretical study

TL;DR

This paper investigates how line tension at cellular interfaces affects the shape and configurations of a two-cell system, extending foam models to include line tension effects through theoretical analysis.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical framework for analyzing the impact of line tension on cell doublet configurations, including phase diagrams and bifurcation analysis.

Findings

Line tension influences cell doublet shape configurations.

New possible cell arrangements are identified due to line tension effects.

Phase diagrams illustrate stability regions of different configurations.

Abstract

As a first approximation, early embryos may be modeled as foams whose shape depends on the surface tensions of each cell. However it has been remarked that exist line tensions at polarized exterior cellular interfaces (apical). In order to understand the changes it may imply on the usual foam model, a simple case study is considered: a double cell with line tension. Phase diagrams, bifurcations, possible new configurations are studied.