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Biological Physics Seminar :"Organization and dynamics of cell cultures as active nematic system" | The Racah Institute of Physics

Biological Physics Seminar :"Organization and dynamics of cell cultures as active nematic system"

Date: 
Thu, 16/11/201714:00-15:30
Location: 
Danciger B building, Seminar room
Lecturer: Victor Yashunsky
Affiliation: Laboratoire Physico-Chimie Curie, Institut Curie, Paris
Abstract:
Cells exhibit rich repertoire of dynamical behaviors, which depend on cell phenotype and
microenvironment. The collective dynamics of cells has gathered increasing attention inspiring
experimental and theoretical studies in an attempt to unravel the underlying physical
principles. Using in vitro experiments, we show that very different cell types self-organize in a
bi-dimensional nematic phase with characteristic ±1/2 nematic defects. I will present examples
of (1) spontaneous symmetry breaking and emergence of shear flows of spindle-shaped cells
when confined in adhesive stripes; (2) existence of nematic turbulent phase driven by cell
activity in epithelial cell monolayers; and (3) conditions for appearance of activity driven
turbulence in confined environment. I will discuss physical mechanisms of these out of
equilibrium phenomena and their effect on tissue organization and biological function.
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