A Model for the Self-Organization of Microtubules Driven by Molecular Motors

TL;DR

This paper introduces a two-dimensional model for microtubule self-organization driven by molecular motors, combining diffusive and polarity-dependent dynamics, leading to stable nonequilibrium steady states confirmed by simulations.

Contribution

It presents a novel continuum model capturing the competition between diffusive and driven dynamics in microtubule organization.

Findings

Identification of stable nonequilibrium steady states

Derivation of continuum equations using molecular field approximation

Numerical simulations confirm analytical predictions

Abstract

We propose a two-dimensional model for the organization of stabilized microtubules driven by molecular motors in an unconfined geometry. In this model two kinds of dynamics are competing. The first one is purely diffusive, with an interaction between the rotational degrees of freedom, the second one is a local drive, dependent on microtubule polarity. As a result, there is a configuration dependent driving field. Applying a molecular field approximation, we are able to derive continuum equations. A study on the solutions shows nonequilibrium steady states. The presence and stability of such self-organized states are investigated in terms of entropy production. Numerical simulations confirm analytical results.