DPD model of foraminiferal chamber formation: Simulation of actin meshwork - Plasma membrane interactions

Abstract

Foraminifera are unicellular organisms which are widespread especially in marine environments. They produce protective shells (called tests) around their cell bodies, and these may be hardened by either secreted CaCO 3 or by the agglutination of sediment grains from the environment. Such mineralized shells readily fossilize, which makes them useful in paleo/environmental and related geological applications. The morphology of foraminiferal chambers emerges from a cascade of complex genetically-controlled processes ultimately controlled through the interactions among morphogenetic components. From studies on the morphogenesis and movements of foraminiferan pseudopodia, we presume that actin meshwork, microtubules, plasma membrane and their various associated proteins all contribute to chamber formation. Here, we apply dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulation techniques to model interactions between the plasma membrane and actin meshwork to test their role in the formation of cell body and test architecture. The present studies mark the first stage of "in silico" experiments aimed at developing an emergent model of foraminiferal chamber formation and shell morphogenesis. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.