Browsing by Author "Aranson, Igor S."

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    Continuum modeling of clustering of myxobacteria
    (IOP, 2013) Harvey, Cameron W.; Alber, Mark; Tsimring, Lev S.; Aranson, Igor S.; Medicine, School of Medicine
    In this paper we develop a continuum theory of clustering in ensembles of self-propelled inelastically colliding rods with applications to collective dynamics of common gliding bacteria Myxococcus Xanthus. A multiphase hydrodynamic model that couples densities of oriented and isotropic phases is described. This model is used for the analysis of an instability that leads to spontaneous formation of directionally moving dense clusters within initially dilute isotropic "gas" of myxobacteria. Numerical simulations of this model confirm the existence of stationary dense moving clusters and also elucidate the properties of their collisions. The results are shown to be in a qualitative agreement with experiments.
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    Durotaxis and extracellular matrix degradation promote the clustering of cancer cells
    (Elsevier, 2025-01-24) Potomkin, Mykhailo; Kim, Oleg; Klymenko, Yuliya; Alber, Mark; Aranson, Igor S.; Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine
    Early stages of metastasis depend on the collective behavior of cancer cells and their interaction with the extracellular matrix (ECM). Cancer cell clusters are known to exhibit higher metastatic potential than single cells. To explore clustering dynamics, we developed a calibrated computational model describing how motile cancer cells biochemically and biomechanically interact with the ECM during the initial invasion phase, including ECM degradation and mechanical remodeling. The model reveals that cluster formation time, size, and shape are influenced by ECM degradation rates and cellular compliance to external stresses (durotaxis). The results align with experimental observations, demonstrating distinct cell trajectories and cluster morphologies shaped by biomechanical parameters. The simulations provide valuable insights into cancer invasion dynamics and may suggest potential therapeutic strategies targeting early-stage invasive cells.