Chemical and Mechanical Signaling in Epithelial Spreading

We propose a minimal mathematical model to explain long-range coordination of dynamics of multiple cells in epithelial spreading, which may be induced, under different conditions, by a chemical signal, or mechanically induced strain, or both. The model is based on chemo-mechanical interactions including a chemical effect of strain, chemically induced polarization and active traction, and interaction between polarized cells. The results, showing kinase concentration distribution and cell displacement, velocity, and stress fields, allow us to reproduce qualitatively available experimental data and distinguish between distinct dynamical patterns observed under conditions of injury or unconstraining.