Integer topological defects offer a methodology to quantify and classify active cell monolayers

Zihui Zhao, He Li, Yisong Yao, Yongfeng Zhao, Francesca Serra, Kyogo Kawaguchi, Hepeng Zhang and Masaki Sano ()
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Zihui Zhao: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
He Li: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Yisong Yao: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Yongfeng Zhao: Soochow University
Francesca Serra: Johns Hopkins University
Kyogo Kawaguchi: The University of Tokyo
Hepeng Zhang: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Masaki Sano: Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Monolayers of confluent elongated cells are frequently considered active nematics, featuring $$\pm \frac{1}{2}$$ ± 1 2 topological defects. In extensile systems, where cells extend further along their long axis, they can accumulate at $$+\frac{1}{2}$$ + 1 2 defects and escape from $$-\frac{1}{2}$$ − 1 2 defects. Nevertheless, collective dynamics surrounding integer defects remain insufficiently understood. We induce diverse + 1 topological defects (asters, spirals, and targets) within neural progenitor cell monolayers using microfabricated patterns. Remarkably, cells migrate toward the cores of all + 1 defects, challenging existing theories and conventional extensile/contractile dichotomy, which predicts escape from highly bent spirals and targets. By combining experiments and a continuum theory derived from a cell-level model, we identify previously overlooked nonlinear active forces driving this unexpected accumulation toward defect cores, providing a unified framework to explain cell behavior across defect types. Our findings establish + 1 defects as probes to uncover key nonlinear features of active nematics, offering a methodology to characterize and classify cell monolayers.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57783-w

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