A minimal model for structure, dynamics, and tension of monolayered cell colonies

Abstract The motion of cells in tissues is an ubiquitous phenomenon. In particular, monolayered cell colonies vitro, pronounced collective behavior with swirl-like has been observed deep within a colony, while at the same time, colony remains cohesive, not single escaping edge. Thus, displays liquid-like properties inside, coexistence cell-free “vacuum” outside. We propose active Brownian particle model attraction, which interaction potential broad minimum to give particles enough wiggling space be collectively fluid state. demonstrate that for moderate propulsion, this can generate fluid-vacuum described above. addition, combination nature cohesion leads preferred orientation polarity, pointing outward, edge, turn gives rise tensile stress colony—as experimentally epithelial sheets. For stronger detachment clusters predicted. Further addition alignment preference polarity and velocity direction results enhanced coordinated, motion, increased cell-cluster detachment.