Active processes in cells and tissues

COLLOQUIUM 2014

Living cells are extraordinarily dynamic and have the ability to generate movements and forces. This is particularly striking in the case of swimming microorganisms or the process of cell division. A key example for force generating processes in cells is the operation of molecular motors that interact with filaments of the cytoskeleton. In the cell, cytoskeletal networks form gel-like materials with unconventional active material properties that are the consequence of the action of such motors. Active cellular processes have also interesting effects on larger scales. Tissues are collections of many cells which can also be considered as active media. Active processes in tissues result e.g. from cellular dynamics, cellular force generation and cell division. These processes introduce mechanical stresses and permit active rearrangements and flows in tissues. I will discuss theoretical approaches that capture general principles that govern the dynamics of active media such as the cytoskeleton or tissues. In biological systems, active processes are regulated by cellular signaling systems. Such coupling of active mechanical and chemical processes, including feedbacks that influence chemical cues via flow patterns leads to novel and original mechanisms of Pattern formation in biology.