Biology subjects

Ramon, H.

Publications and source records attributed to Ramon, H..

8 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Rigidity transitions in a 3D active foam model of cell monolayers with frictional contact interactions

In morphogenesis and disease, biological tissues may exhibit diverse mechanical properties due to their capacity to switch between fluid-like to solid-like states through the (un)jamming transition. Here, we introduce a novel foam model to investigate how active mechanical properties and cellular interactions govern this transition in active cell monolayers. This model explicitly represents 3D cell shapes and describes cell-cell interactions via discrete interacting surfaces. Simulations reveal that cell-cell adhesive tension promotes tissue fluidization in high adhesive tissues, where it mainly promotes cell deformability, while it induces solidification in the low adhesive regime, where it prevents cell-cell debonding. Moreover, we study the dynamic role of adhesive ligand turnover through an effective intercellular friction. Through simulated shear experiments, we find that intercellular friction strongly suppresses neighbor exchanges, but does not lead to solid-like tissue properties. We discuss the implications of our results for understanding the relationship between unjamming and partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition, highlighting how differences in adhesion dynamics and intercellular friction may reconcile conflicting observations in tissue mechanics and cancer metastasis.

biophysics↗

bioRxiv2022

Spatial distribution of bacteria and extracellular polymeric substances impacts nanoparticle penetration in biofilms

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in bacterial biofilms complicate treatment by inactivating drugs and slowing down diffusion. Through enhanced penetration and resistance to degradation in bacterial biofilms, nanoparticle (NP) carriers can help improve biofilm treatment. However, the way in which biofilm architecture influences the diffusive properties and penetration of NPs in biofilms is still poorly understood. In this work, we combined single particle tracking (SPT) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) in Salmonella biofilms with simulations of a Brownian dynamics model to quantify how macro- (spatial organization of the bacteria) and micro- (EPS dependent) structure of the biofilm affects NP penetration. In CLSM images we observed immobilization of NPs in the EPS, which allows shielding of bacteria from the NPs, an effect that was more pronounced in dispersed biofilms, grown in nutrient-rich conditions, than in compacted biofilms, grown in nutrient-poor conditions. SPT experiments revealed anomalous diffusion, with an increased probability for small displacements near clusters of bacteria. Simulations of a Brownian dynamics model revealed that EPS reinforces shielding by affecting the pore structure of the biofilm. Finally, in virtual biofilms with varying spatial distribution of bacteria, we found that even for the same number of bacteria, dispersed biofilm structures provide more shielding than biofilms organized in dense, compacted clusters, even when accounting for decreased NP diffusivity.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2021

Permissive aggregative group formation favors coexistence in yeast

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the FLO1 gene encodes flocculins that lead to formation of multicellular flocs, that offer protection to the constituent cells. Flo1p was found to preferentially bind to fellow cooperators compared to defectors lacking FLO1 expression, resulting in enrichment of cooperators within the flocs. Given this dual function in cooperation and kin recognition, FLO1 has been termed a green beard gene. Because of the heterophilic nature of Flo1p binding however, we hypothesize that kin recognition is permissive and depends on the relative stability of FLO1+/flo1- versus FLO1+/FLO1+ bonds, which itself can be dependent on environmental conditions and intrinsic cell properties. We combine single cell measurements of adhesion strengths, individual cell-based simulations of cluster formation and evolution, and in vitro flocculation experiments to study the impact of relative bond stability on defector exclusion as well as benefit and stability of cooperation. We hereto vary the relative bond stability by changing the shear flow rate and the inherent bond strength. We identify a marked trade-off between both aspects of the green beard mechanism, with reduced relative bond stability leading to increased kin recognition, but at the expense of decreased cluster sizes and benefit of cooperation. Most notably, we show that the selection of FLO1 cooperators is negative-frequency dependent, which we directly attribute to the permissive character of the Flo1p bond. Taking into account the costs associated to FLO1 expression, this asymmetric selection results in a broad range of ecological conditions where coexistence between cooperators and defectors is stable. Although the kin recognition aspect of the FLO1 green beard gene is thus limited and condition dependent, the negative-frequency dependency of selection can conserve the diversity of flocculent and non-flocculent phenotypes ensuring flexibility towards variable selective pressures.

evolutionary biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Activity-induced fluidization of arrested coalescence in fusion of cellular aggregates

At long time scales, tissue spheroids may flow or appear solid depending on their capacity to reorganize their internal structure. Understanding the relationship between intrinsic mechanical properties at the single cell level, and the tissue spheroids dynamics at the long-time scale is key for artificial tissue constructs, which are assembled from multiple tissue spheroids that over time fuse to form coherent structures. The dynamics of this fusion process are frequently analyzed in the framework of liquid theory, wherein the time scale of coalescence of two droplets is governed by its radius, viscosity and surface tension. In this work, we extend this framework to glassy or jammed cell behavior which can be observed in spheroid fusion. Using simulations of an individual-cell based model, we demonstrate how the spheroid fusion process can be steered from liquid to arrested by varying active cell motility and repulsive energy as established by cortical tension. The divergence of visco-elastic relaxation times indicates glassy relaxation near the transition towards arrested coalescence. Finally, we investigate the role of cell growth in spheroid fusion dynamics. We show that the presence of cell division introduces plasticity in the material and thereby increases coalescence during fusion.

biophysics↗

bioRxiv2019

Intercellular adhesion stiffness moderates cell decoupling on stiff substrates

The interplay between cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions is complex yet necessary for the formation and well-functioning of tissues. The same mechanosensing mechanisms used by the cell to sense its extracellular matrix, also play a role in intercellular interactions. We used the discrete element method to develop a computational model of a deformable cell that includes subcellular components responsible for mechanosensing. We modeled a cell pair in 3D on a patterned substrate, a simple laboratory setup to study intercellular interactions. We explicitly modeled focal adhesions between the cells and the substrate, and adherens junctions between cells. These mechanosensing adhesions matured; their disassembly rate was dictated by the force they carry. We also modeled stress fibers which bind the discrete adhesions and contract. The mechanosensing fibers strengthened upon stalling and exerted higher forces. Traction exerted on the substrate was used to generate maps displaying the magnitude of the tractions along the cell-substrate interface. Simulated traction maps are compared to experimental maps obtained via traction force microscopy. The model recreates the dependence on substrate stiffness of the tractions spatial distribution across the cell-substrate interface, the contractile moment of the cell pair, the intercellular force, and the number of focal adhesions. It also recreates the phenomenon of cell decoupling, in which cells exert forces separately when substrate stiffness increases. More importantly, the model provides viable molecular explanations for decoupling. It shows that the implemented mechanosensing mechanisms are responsible for competition between different fiber-adhesion configurations present in the cell pair. The point at which an increasing substrate stiffness becomes as high as that of the cell-cell interface is the tipping point at which configurations that favor cell-substrate adhesion dominate over those favoring cell-cell adhesion. This competition is responsible for decoupling. Additionally, we learn that extent of decoupling is modulated by adherens junction maturation.\n\nStatement of SignificanceCells are sensitive to mechanical factors of their extracellular matrix while simultaneously in contact with other cells. This creates complex intercellular interactions that depend on substrate stiffness and play a role in processes such as development and diseases like cardiac arrhythmia, asthma, and cancer. The simplest cell collective system in vitro is a cell pair on a patterned substrate. We developed a computational model of this system which explains the role of molecular adhesions and contractile fibers in the dynamics of cell-cell interactions on substrates with different stiffness. It is one of the first models of a deformable cell collective based on mechanical principles. It recreates cellular decoupling, a phenomenon in which cells exert forces separately, when substrate stiffness increases.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2019

Compaction dynamics during progenitor cell self-assembly reveal granular mechanics

We study the self-assembly dynamics of human progenitor cells in agarose micro-wells that are used for production of chondrogenic organoids. Using image analysis on time-lapse microscopy, we estimate the aggregate area in function of time for a large number of aggregates. In control conditions, the aggregate radius follows an exponential relaxation that is consistent with the dewetting dynamics of a liquid film. Introducing Y-27632 Rho kinase inhibitor, the compatibility with the liquid model is lost, and slowed down relaxation dynamics are observed. We demonstrate that these aggregates behave as granular piles undergoing compaction, with a density relaxation that follows a stretched exponential. Using simulations with an individual cell-based model, we construct a phase diagram of cell aggregates that suggests that the aggregate in presence of Rho kinase inhibitor approaches the glass transition.

biophysics↗

bioRxiv2019

The role of actin protrusion dynamics in cell migration through a degradable viscoelastic extracellular matrix: Insights from a computational model

Actin protrusion dynamics plays an important role in the regulation of three-dimensional (3D) cell migration. Cells form protrusions that adhere to the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM), mechanically probe the ECM and contract in order to displace the cell body. This results in cell migration that can be directed by the mechanical anisotropy of the ECM. However, the subcellular processes that regulate protrusion dynamics in 3D cell migration are difficult to investigate experimentally and therefore not well understood. Here, we present a computational model of cell migration through a degradable viscoelastic ECM. The cell is modeled as an active deformable object that captures the viscoelastic behavior of the actin cortex and the subcellular processes underlying 3D cell migration. The ECM is regarded as a viscoelastic material, with or without anisotropy due to fibrillar strain stiffening, and modeled by means of the meshless Lagrangian smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method. ECM degradation is captured by local fluidization of the material and permits cell migration through the ECM. We demonstrate that changes in ECM stiffness and cell strength affect cell migration and are accompanied by changes in number, lifetime and length of protrusions. Interestingly, directly changing the total protrusion number or the average lifetime or length of protrusions does not affect cell migration. A stochastic variability in protrusion lifetime proves to be enough to explain differences in cell migration velocity. Force-dependent adhesion disassembly does not result in faster migration, but can make migration more efficient. We also demonstrate that when a number of simultaneous protrusions is enforced, the optimal number of simultaneous protrusions is one or two, depending on ECM anisotropy. Together, the model provides non-trivial new insights in the role of protrusions in 3D cell migration and can be a valuable contribution to increase the understanding of 3D cell migration mechanics.\n\nAuthor summaryThe ability of cells to migrate through a tissue in the human body is vital for many processes such as tissue development, growth and regeneration. At the same time, abnormal cell migration is also playing an important role in many diseases such as cancer. If we want to be able to explain the origin of these abnormalities and develop new treatment strategies, we have to understand how cells are able to regulate their migration. Since it is challenging to investigate cell migration through a biological tissue in experiments, computational modeling can provide a valuable contribution. We have developed a computational model of cell migration through a deformable and degradable material that describes both mechanics of the cell and the surrounding material and subcellular processes underlying cell migration. This model captures the formation of long and thin protrusions that adhere to the surrounding material and that pull the cell forward. It provides new non-trivial insights in the role of these protrusions in cell migration and the regulation of protrusion dynamics by cell strength and anisotropic mechanical properties of the surrounding material. Therefore, we believe that this model can be a valuable tool to further improve the understanding of cell migration.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2018

The effect of cortical elasticity and active tension on cell adhesion mechanics

We consider a cell as a filled, elastic shell with an active surface tension and non-specific adhesion. We perform numerical simulations of this model in order to study the mechanics of cell-cell separation. By variation of parameters, we are able to recover well-known limits of JKR, DMT, adhesive vesicles with surface tension (BWdG) and thin elastic shells. We further locate biological cells on this parameter space by comparing to existing experiments on S180 cells. Using this model, we show that mechanical parameters can be obtained that are consistent with both Dual Pipette Aspiration (DPA) and Micropipette Aspiration (MA), a problem not successfully tackled so far. We estimate a cortex elastic modulus of Ec {approx} 15 kPa, an effective cortex thickness of tc {approx} 0.3 {micro}m and an active tension of{gamma} {approx} 0.4 nN/{micro}m. With these parameters, a JKR-like scaling of the separation force is recovered. Finally, the change of contact radius with applied force in a pull-off experiment was investigated. For small forces, a scaling similar to both BWdG and DMT is found.\n\nManuscript submitted to Biophysical Journal.

biophysics↗