Structurally resolved stochastic simulation model of actin polymerization

Abstract

Actin polymerization in cell is a basic biological process relevant to health and disease. We have developed the e±cient stochastic simulation algorithm for modelling actin dynamics regulated by actin-associated proteins. As opposed to other existing actin-cytoskeleton mathematical models, our approach is based on the advanced Monte Carlo simulation schemes and associates the main biochem- ical actin-related reactions, including multistep spontaneous actin nucleation, random and stress-induced Їlament fragmentation, with structural properties of protein Їlaments. Created algorithms were integrated into a freely available software package with user-friendly interface.