On the Cytoskeleton and Soft Glassy Rheology

Cytoskeleton is an integrated system of biomolecules, providing the cell with shape, integrity, and internal spatial organization. Cytoskeleton is a three-dimensional (3-D) network consisting of a complex mixture of actin filaments, intermediate filaments and microtubules that are collectively responsible for the main structural properties and motilities of the cell. A wide range of theoretical models have been proposed for cytoskeletal mechanics, ranging from continuum models for cell deformation to actin filament-based models for cell motility [1]. Numerous experimental techniques have also been developed to quantify cytoskeletal mechanics, typically involving a mechanical perturbation to the cell in the form of either an imposed deformation or force and observation of the static and dynamic response of the cell. These experimental measurements along with new theoretical approaches have given rise to several theories for describing the mechanics of living cells, modeling the cytoskeleton as a simple mechanical elastic, viscoelastic, or poro-viscoelastic continuum, tensegrity (tension integrity) network incorporating discrete structural elements that bear compression, porous gel or most recently soft glassy material. In this paper, we will revisit cytoskeleton as a soft glassy material and give insights in to new dynamic relationships for cytoskeleton.