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【Abstract】

Living systems convert chemical energy into mechanical work, enabling them to maintain structures and change shapes. Fundamental processes like cell division and migration arise from the non-equilibrium mechanics of molecular machinery, such as the cytoskeleton and motor proteins, which generate active stresses. While biochemical regulation is well studied in biology, the mechanical forces driving these behaviors remain less understood. To address this, I have developed minimal cell-mimetic models that simplify living cells. These systems allow precise manipulation and quantitative analysis, bridging experiments with theoretical models to reveal the chemo-mechanical interplay underlying cellular behavior. In this talk, I will discuss my contributions to uncovering the physical principles of cell migration and division, highlighting self-organization driven by physics and chemistry. I will also briefly outline future research directions.