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Eukaryotic cells as interacting living particles
Cells move. They propel themselves using an internal machinery which endows them with the characteristics of active particles. At the same time, they interact dynamically with their environment and with neigbouring cells, by adhering, exerting forces and exchanging biochemical signals. In this talk, we will first show, on two model eukaryotic systems, that this can lead to microphase separation, collectively enhanced or reduced diffusion and pattern formation over large scales. Then we will focus on an effect of the coupling of cell migration to the substrate’s dynamics. Indeed, by studying the long-term migration of isolated cells, we find that they exhibit path reinforcement, which entails very specific transport properties. Finally, in light of those results, we will discuss the perspectives offered by an active matter view on the emergence of collective migration in eukaryotic cell assemblies.