Phase-field modeling of border cell cluster migration in Drosophila
Fig 7
Impact of Tangential Interface Migration force (FTIM).
Snapshots of the cell configuration and TIM force vector field at three time points (a) t = 0: The cluster is initially positioned near the anterior of the egg chamber and begins contact-mediated migration along adjacent nurse cell interfaces. Forward movement is initiated as the leading edge of the cluster experiences higher chemoattractant concentration, as indicated by the purple arrow at the front. (b) t = 340: The cluster is midway through its migration path, exhibiting tangential traction along adjacent nurse cell boundaries. Vectors indicate directed force aligned with the interfaces. (c) t = 800: The cluster approaches the oocyte boundary. At this stage, the front of the cluster senses reduced chemoattractant signaling due to receptor saturation, leading to a gradual decrease in migration speed and eventual attachment to the oocyte.