Localized modulated waves and longitudinal model of microtubules

We here study nonlinear dynamics of microtubule (MT). A so-called u - model is explained in detail. A single longitudinal degree of freedom per MT subunits is assumed. It is known that a continuum approximation of a basic discrete dynamical equation of motion enables existence of kink and antikink solitons along MT. In this paper we use semi- discrete approximation for this equation and show that modulated solitonic waves could propagate as well. We suggest possible biological implications of these waves. Also, a detailed parameter analysis is performed. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved