Modeling Actin Dynamics
The field of actin dynamics has been blessed with a wealth of quantitative experimental data, which has motivated the development of computational models. The models allow researchers to understand how all the components of the system fit together to support diverse cell biological functions. This article presents a number of these models to exemplify different modeling approaches and philosophies. The material is intended for both physicists who wish an introduction to the actin field and cell biologists looking for an introduction to how modelers think about a problem. Despite the selective choice of examples, the article serves as an overview of the current state of the field of actin dynamics.