2025/05/22 by Jonathan E. Ron, Ron, Jonathan E., R Adar +1
Chemistry · Medicine · #Biological Physics (physics.bio-ph) #Carbohydrate Chemistry and Synthesis #FOS: Physical sciences #Pancreatic function and diabetes
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2505.16750
openalex publication_date 2025/05/22 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Cell migration is closely linked to cell shape, yet cell size is often assumed to remain constant. This assumption is challenged by recent experiments showing that cells undergo volume loss during spreading and swelling upon activation, with migration velocity correlated to cell size. In this Letter, we present a minimal theoretical framework for cellular size regulation and its influence on migration velocity. We connect cell size to membrane potential and active, actin-driven forces. Spatial inhomogeneities in these forces establish cell polarization and drive migration. Crucially, inhomogeneity is easier to establish over larger sizes, giving rise to a critical contact area, above which migration is possible. Our theory captures the coupled dynamics of cell volume, surface area, and motility and explains recent experiments on neutrophils.