Abstract.

Motion and generation of forces by single cells and cell collectives are essential elements of many biological processes, including development, wound healing and cancer cell migration. Quantitative wound healing assays have demonstrated that cell monolayers can be both dynamic and elastic at the same time. However, it is very challenging to model this combination with conventional approaches. Here we introduce an elastic phase field approach that allows us to predict the dynamics of elastic sheets under the action of active stresses and localized forces, e.g. from leader cells. Our method ensures elastic reversibility after release of forces. We demonstrate its potential by studying several paradigmatic situations and geometries relevant for single cells and cell monolayers, including elastic bars, contractile discs and expanding monolayers with leader cells.

Graphical abstract

中文翻译：

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可逆弹性相场方法及其在细胞单层中的应用

摘要。

单细胞和细胞集合体的运动和产生力是许多生物学过程（包括发育，伤口愈合和癌细胞迁移）的基本要素。伤口愈合的定量分析表明，细胞单层可以同时具有动态和弹性。但是，用常规方法对这种组合进行建模非常具有挑战性。在这里，我们介绍一种弹性相场方法，该方法使我们能够预测在主动应力和局部力（例如，力）作用下的弹性片的动力学。来自领导细胞。我们的方法可确保力释放后的弹性可逆性。我们通过研究与单个细胞和细胞单层有关的几种范式情况和几何形状来证明其潜力，包括弹性棒，收缩盘和带有前导细胞的扩张单层。

图形概要