Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Russia

Microtubules (MT) serve as cytoskeleton and road network for transport of cellular signals and proteins. Modern models of MTs predict phenomena of nonlinear waves propagation in form of kinks and breathers. But little is known about their excitation and interaction with environment. Present report is devoted to study of such mechanisms. A model of localized nonlinear wave excitation by different perturbations of MT's electric field is proposed and studied by analytical and numerical methods. Suggested mechanism relies on balance between external energy pumping and energy loss by viscosity and thermal noise. The influence of external damaging factors on wave propagation is also discussed.