Principal Investigator:
Frauke Gräter
, Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing, Heidelberg University; and Group for Molecular Biomechanics, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies
HPC Platform used:
JUWELS of JSC
Local Project ID:
chhd33
Cells communicate with each other through biochemical as well as mechanical signals. Essential biological processes such as cell division are critically steered by the tension across the cell-cell contacts. Using extensive molecular dynamics simulations, scientists analyzed the underlying molecular principles of mechano-sensing at cell-cell contacts. These simulations can give first insights into how proteins present at the cell-cell contact change their structure and localization and thereby help to sense mechanical stimuli. The findings can help understanding the mechanisms by which tissues, e.g. skin, grow along the direction of pulling forces which were applied by adding virtual springs into the simulation system.
