Cellular motility

Simulated microcirculation of red blood cells in a microfluidic device reveals two subpopulations of slow-moving cells and persistent cells that retain morphology and membrane structure under oxidative stress.

Bacterial motility relies on the mechanics of the “hook” the 60 nm biopolymer at the base of rotating flagella. Here, authors observe the hook stiffening as it is twisted by the rotation of the flagellum, a mechanical feat evolved for its function.

The physical environment dictates the emergence of specific patterns of collective cell migration. Here, authors show that unconfined endothelial monolayers on microgroove substrates exhibit an original pattern of antiparallel cell streams.

Asymmetric nanotopography biases unidirectional cell migration, yet the underpinning molecular determinants are still unclear. The authors use a three-dimensional model to demonstrate that nanosawteeth induce actin-mediated migration directionality, which is dependent on the cell velocity.

Cellular adhesions have the remarkable property that they adapt their stability to the applied mechanical load. Here, authors describe a generic physical mechanism that explains self-stabilization of idealized adhesion systems under shear.