Abstract
Actin filament networks enable the cytoskeleton to adjust to internal and external forcing. These dynamic networks can adapt to changes by dynamically adjusting their cross-links. Here, we model actin filaments as cross-linked elastic fibers of finite dimensions, with the cross-links being approximately 1 μm apart, and employ a full three-dimensional model to study their elastic properties by computer simulations. The results show compelling evidence that dense actin networks are characterized by (a) strain hardening without entropic elasticity, (b) avalanches of cross-link slippage leading to strain softening in the case of breakable cross-links, and (c) spontaneous formation of stress fibers in the case of dynamic cross-link formation and destruction.
| Translated title of the contribution | Strain hardening, avalanches, and strain softening in dense cross-linked actin networks |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Pages (from-to) | pp. 051913 - 1-6 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Physical Review E : Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics |
| Volume | 77 |
| Issue number | 051913 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2008 |
| Publication type | A1 Journal article-refereed |
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