3D agent-based modeling of some aspects of the interaction between microtubules and microfilaments in cell

Studying the organization of the cytoskeleton and its functions, primarily active transport, requires a quantitative analysis of processes in 3 dimensions. In the last couple of decades, experimental approaches in the field of biophotonics are beginning to be supplemented by modeling. Particular hopes in this area are assigned to 3D agent-based modeling. In this report, we are developing a model of oriented microtubule network (nucleated by cortex) and a random network of actin filaments. In the model, some molecular motors transport a certain molecular cargo, while others transport actin filaments. The microtubules (MT) orientation allows both transport processes to reach steady states with stationary spatial patterns of some of the macromolecules under consideration. Such a model allows to implement explicitly and quantify the effect of drugs that destroy either MT or actin filaments (MF). The destruction of MF disrupts only the processes of their transport, without affecting the active transport of that molecular cargo by MT. The destruction of MT leads to interruption of both transport processes.