This is a direct result of incorporating the OHC mechanical feedback into the model.
The Ca2+ concentration time course for the coupled model plotted in Figure 5(b) (blue) was affected by the mechanical feedback described in (7 - 8), which caused a sharper and higher peak in Ca2+ than in the default electrical model (red) [ 9].
Furthermore, the time scales considered here bracket the time scales suggested for mechanical feedback by some studies in Xenopus [10] and Drosophila [14], [15].
The radial stiffness of the tectorial membrane was found to have an important effect in mechanical feedback.
Several studies suggest that mechanical feedback may play a role in guiding cell behavior and coordinating morphogenesis in the embryo [3], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15].
Based on these results, we developed a mathematical model for protrusion waves in which local depletion of VASP from the leading edge by adhesions along with lateral propagation of protrusion due to the branched architecture of the actin network and negative mechanical feedback from the cell membrane results in regular protrusion waves.
Previous studies suggest that mechanical feedback could coordinate morphogenetic events in embryos.
42 For this reason, mechanical feedback is considered to be important in driving pathological conditions such as contractures post-injury.
This is shown in Figure 3 as "Mechanical feedback".
