Optimal Control of Collective Electrotaxis in Epithelial Monolayers

Simon F. Martina-Perez, Isaac B. Breinyn, Daniel J. Cohen, Ruth E. Baker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Epithelial monolayers are some of the best-studied models for collective cell migration due to their abundance in multicellular systems and their tractability. Experimentally, the collective migration of epithelial monolayers can be robustly steered e.g. using electric fields, via a process termed electrotaxis. Theoretically, however, the question of how to design an electric field to achieve a desired spatiotemporal movement pattern is underexplored. In this work, we construct and calibrate an ordinary differential equation model to predict the average velocity of the centre of mass of a cellular monolayer in response to stimulation with an electric field. We use this model, in conjunction with optimal control theory, to derive physically realistic optimal electric field designs to achieve a variety of aims, including maximising the total distance travelled by the monolayer, maximising the monolayer velocity, and keeping the monolayer velocity constant during stimulation. Together, this work is the first to present a unified framework for optimal control of collective monolayer electrotaxis and provides a blueprint to optimally steer collective migration using other external cues.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number95
JournalBulletin of Mathematical Biology
Volume86
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2024
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • General Mathematics
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Environmental Science
  • Pharmacology
  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences
  • Computational Theory and Mathematics

Keywords

  • Collective migration
  • Electrotaxis
  • Epithelial monolayers
  • Optimal control

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