3D migrating cell

About the Model

For details about the model, we refer to the paper. Alternatively, you can check out the following online, interactive explorables to learn more about Cellular Potts Models in general or the Act-CPM, specifically (Wortel and Textor, 2020).

Suggestions

Try the following:

• Set λ_act or max_act to 0. You should see that the cell cannot break symmetry and form stable protrusions to migrate.
• Set λ_act back to 300 and max_act to a very high value, e.g. 10000. Click "reseed cell". You should see that the cell again has a hard time breaking symmetry, this time because the activity is high everywhere (and thus, there is no polarity gradient).
• Refresh the page to return to default settings. Observe the cell for a while, and watch how the shape changes when it starts moving. (You can click 'stop' to pause the simulation and rotate the camera to view the cell from different angles).
• Increase λ_act gradually, one point at a time. How does the shape and behavior of the cell change? You should see that the cell starts moving more easily, takes on a broader shape, and stops less often. (You can click "reset cell" a few times to check the robustness of your findings)

References