Speaker
Description
Cell-extracellular matrix interaction and the mechanical properties of the cell nucleus have been demonstrated to play a fundamental role in cell movement across fibrous networks, micro-channels, basal membranes, and confining environment in general. So, their study is important on one hand in oncology to understand the spread of cancer metastases and on the other hand in tissue engineering to build artificial scaffolds that are able to promote cell re-population. It is known that key ingredients are the geometrical properties of the environment, the stiffness of the cell nucleus and the ability of cell to exxert traction forces. This talk will review previous results, merging the outcome of some continuum mechanics models with individual cell-based models that allow to identify an invasion criterium and optimal characteristics for cell migration. Such criteria will be used to identify the geometric characteristics that some triply periodic porous structures need to have to optimize cell migration.
