Numerical model of the cytoskeleton structuration during cell spreading

The objective of this work is to propose a mechanical model and a numerical method devoted to the cytoskeleton (CSK) form-finding resulting from its structuration during cell spreading. It is now well assumed that the cell mechanics closely depends on its CSK architecture and on the tension and compression forces carried by its filaments. Several structural models have been therefore developed, especially those based on the tensegrity analogy. However, the observed topological and geometrical complexities of the CSK networks lead to difficulties for determining and using a realistic structure [Baudriller et al., 2006]. The presented method allows calculating such a complex architecture and the associated forces in the different CSK filaments of an adherent cell.