A theory for coexistence and selection of branched actin networks in a shared and finite pool of monomers

[2511.23344] A theory for coexistence and selection of branched actin networks in a shared and finite pool of monomers Skip to main content Search Submit Donate Log in Quantitative Biology > Subcellular Processes arXiv:2511.23344 (q-bio) [Submitted on 28 Nov 2025 ( v1 ), last revised 24 Apr 2026 (this version, v2)] Title: A theory for coexistence and selection of branched actin networks in a shared and finite pool of monomers Authors: Valentin Wössner , Falko Ziebert , Ulrich S. Schwarz (Heidelberg University) View PDF HTML (experimental) Abstract: Cellular actin structures are continuously turned over while keeping similar sizes. Since they all compete for a shared pool of actin monomers, the question arises how they can coexist in these dynamic steady states. Recently, the coexistence of branched actin networks with different densities growing in a shared and finite pool of purified proteins has been demonstrated in a biomimetic bead assay. However, theoretical work in the context of organelle size regulation has mainly been focused on linear architectures, such as single filaments and bundles, and thus is not able to explain this observation. Here we show theoretically that the local depletion of actin monomers caused by the growth of a branched network naturally gives rise to a negative feedback loop between network density and growth rate, and that this competition is captured by one central ordinary differential equation. A comprehensive bifurcation analysis shows that the theory leads to well-defined steady states even in the case of multiple networks sharing the same pool of monomers, without any need for specific molecular processes. Under increasing competition strength, coexistence is replaced by selection. We also show that our theory is in excellent agreement with spatiotemporal simulations, implemented in a finite element framework, and that local depletion even occurs in the presence of a large pool of non-polymerizable actin. In summary, our work suggests that local monomer depletion is the decisive and universal factor controlling growth of branched actin networks. Comments: Revtex, 23 pages, 10 figures Subjects: Subcellular Processes (q-bio.SC) ; Soft Condensed Matter (cond-mat.soft); Biological Physics (physics.bio-ph) Cite as: arXiv:2511.23344 [q-bio.SC] (or arXiv:2511.23344v2 [q-bio.SC] for this version) https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2511.23344 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite Journal reference: PRX Life 4, 033020 (2026) Related DOI : https://doi.org/10.1103/wmcg-9rq7 Focus to learn more DOI(s) linking to related resources Submission history From: Ulrich S. Schwarz [ view email ] [v1] Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:51:25 UTC (1,465 KB) [v2] Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:50:50 UTC (996 KB) Full-text links: Access Paper: View PDF HTML (experimental) TeX Source view license Current browse context: q-bio.SC < prev | next > new | recent | 2025-11 Change to browse by: cond-mat cond-mat.soft physics physics.bio-ph q-bio References & Citations SciX Google Scholar Semantic Scholar export BibTeX citation Bookmark Bibliographic Tools Bibliographic and Citation Tools Bibliographic Explorer Toggle Bibliographic Explorer ( What is the Explorer? ) Connected Papers Toggle Connected Papers ( What is Connected Papers? ) Litmaps Toggle Litmaps ( What is Litmaps? ) scite.ai Toggle scite Smart Citations ( What are Smart Citations? ) Code, Data, Media Code, Data and Media Associated with this Article alphaXiv Toggle alphaXiv ( What is alphaXiv? ) Links to Code Toggle CatalyzeX Code Finder for Papers ( What is CatalyzeX? ) DagsHub Toggle DagsHub ( What is DagsHub? ) GotitPub Toggle Gotit.pub ( What is GotitPub? ) Huggingface Toggle Hugging Face ( What is Huggingface? ) ScienceCast Toggle ScienceCast ( What is ScienceCast? ) Demos Demos Replicate Toggle Replicate ( What is Replicate? ) Spaces Toggle Hugging Face Spaces ( What is Spaces? ) Spaces Toggle TXYZ.AI ( What is TXYZ.AI? ) Related Papers Recommenders and Search Tools Link to Influence Flower Influence Flower ( What are Influence Flowers? ) Core recommender toggle CORE Recommender ( What is CORE? ) Author Venue Institution Topic About arXivLabs arXivLabs: experimental projects with community collaborators arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website. Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them. Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs . Which authors of this paper are endorsers? | Disable MathJax ( What is MathJax? ) We gratefully acknowledge support from our major funders , member institutions , and all contributors. About · Help · Contact · Subscribe · Copyright · Privacy · Accessibility · Operational Status (opens in new tab)

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