Movie 2

Multiple asters initially localized randomly in a cell of radius 15 μm evolve to form distinct patterns, based on mechanics of microtubules (grey lines) and presence of motor activities (green: dynein complexes, red: kinesin complexes, blue circles: aster centers). Simulation timeseries correspond to cells with multiple asters and (A) dynein complexes alone, (B) a 1:1 ratio of dynein:kinesin complexes (for a constant total motor density), or (C) only kinesin complexes. The spatial steady state emerges from an initial random state (at time point t=0). Number of asters NA: 20, MTs per aster: 40, total motor density: 10 motors/μm2, total simulation time: 600 s. Only those motors that cross-link two MTs are displayed for clarity.

Self-organized optimal packing of kinesin-5-driven microtubule asters scales with cell size

Neha Khetan, Gérard Pruliere, Celine Hebras, Janet Chenevert, and Chaitanya A. Athale

J Cell Sci 2021. 134:None-None; doi: 10.1242/jcs.257543