Viscoelasticity of in silico Cytoskeletal Networks

Abstract

The cytoskeleton, a dynamic network of semiflexible filaments and associated proteins, plays a central role in maintaining cellular shape, organizing intracellular structures, and transmitting and generating mechanical forces. The viscoelastic properties of these net- works govern their mechanical response, which has been extensively studied in cross-linked systems using computational and theoretical approaches. However, biological cytoskeletal networks—such as the actin cortex—exhibit additional complexity due to active processes, including motor-driven forces and actin filament turnover. This study aims to establish a sys- tematic in silico framework using the Cytosim simulation suite to probe the viscoelasticity of cytoskeletal networks. Using microrheology techniques, we investigate how cross-linker density and filament renewal dynamics influence network rheology. Furthermore, we intro- duce cytocalc, a python package enabling reproducible analysis of Cytosim simulations, to facilitate broader exploration of cytoskeletal mechanics across diverse experimental and theoretical contexts.