“A Mathematical Model for Flagellar Activation Mechanisms”
Martedì 5 Marzo 2024, ore 17:00 - Aula 2AB40 - Irene Anello (Phd student at SISSA)
Abstract
Micro-swimmers like cilia and flagella propel through fluids using the axoneme, a structure composed of nine pairs of microtubules. Molecular motors, situated between these pairs, power motion through ATP.
This talk explores microscopic modeling of the axoneme, including a “2-row model” extension. We discuss how this new system preserves axoneme symmetry, is well-posed and how it undergoes a supercritical Hopf bifurcation based on ATP levels.
Moreover, we will present a further extension of the two-row model, introducing an arbitrary number $N$ of motor rows aimed at reproducing the real axoneme structure where $N=8$. The model is studied numerically through simulations, in which one can observe periodic oscillations past a certain ATP value, without any additional form of regulation in the system.
This is a joint work with Prof. Alouges F. (Centre Borelli, ENS-Paris Saclay, CNRS), Prof. De Simone A. (SISSA), Prof. Lefebvre-Lepot A. (CNRS, Fédération de Mathématiques de CentraleSupélec) and Levillain J. (CMAP, CNRS, École polytechnique).
