我們將利用理論軟物質研究的方法來探討細胞板狀偽足的物理性質。首先板狀偽足在穩態下的厚度應由肌動蛋白聚合活化分子，肌動蛋白單體在細胞質內濃度，以及肌凝蛋白的收縮決定。這些因素的影響將會被包括在我們建立的理論模型中。一旦我們得到穩態的解，接下來便可以計算板狀偽足在外力之下的反應，這個計算結果可以與許多原子力顯微鏡的實驗數據相比較。此外，板狀偽足厚度在穩態下的起伏也可透過非平衡熱力學的技巧探討，並用來解釋光學顯微術下的觀察結果。 ;Theoretical soft matter physics analysis will be applied to study the physical properties of lamellipodia, thin flat extensions from cell body that grabs the substrate below. First, the steady state thickness of lamellipodia as a function of the density of actin polymerization activators on cell membrane, actin monomers in the cytoplasm, myosin contractility in the lamellipodia will be calculated. From this result we will calculate the response of lamellipodia under compression, this calculation can be used to compared to experimental studies of the physical properties of lamellipodia with AFM. The fluctuations of the thickness of lemellipodia in the steady will also be studied as it is an important observable for experiments conducted by optical microscopes. It is expected that this series of studies will much improve our understanding of the lamellipodia from a systematic, physical science point of view.
