Dresden 2026 – scientific programme

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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 14: Poster Session II

BP 14.64: Poster

Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 18:00–21:00, P2

Modelling neuron growth dynamics and role of extra-cellular matrix — •Mathar Kravikass, Federica Furlanetto, Lars Bischof, Pritha Dolay, Ben Fabry, Sven Falk, Marisa Karow, and Vasily Zaburdaev — Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU)

Biological tissues are composed of cells embedded in extracellular matrix (ECM) and extracellular fluid. We study the role of cell-matrix interactions in the context of brain tissues and the mechanism of neurite growth through this matrix. We consider two modes for the neurite growth: linear growth by tip extension and growth by the traction force at the tip of the neurite with the modeled ECM particles. In a liquid-like ECM model, we demonstrate how growth is influenced by the ECM interactions when the matrix is freely deformable. These growth patterns were also shown to fit to a run-and-tumble process, which describes how the interaction parameters relate to the persistence and speed of the growth. Additionally, solid-like ECMs were considered in which the ECM particles are connected by springs, thus forming a lattice. In this scheme, we were able to study more closely how lattice stiffness affects neurite growth patterns. These simulations recapitulated growth patterns of neurites in organoids models of neurodevelopmental disease and neurite growth in artificial ECMs with controlled properties. Finally, we present how this model could be used in the future to describe more complex systems, such as neuronal network formation.

Keywords: Neuron growth; Agent based simulation; Polymer physics