Velocity oscillations in actin-based motility

We present a simple and generic theoretical description of
actin-based motility, where polymerization of filaments maintains
propulsion. The dynamics is driven by polymerization kinetics at
the filaments' free ends, crosslinking of the actin network,
attachment and detachment of filaments to the obstacle interface
and entropic forces. We show that spontaneous oscillations in the
velocity emerge due to a push-pull mechanism in a broad range of
parameter values, and compare our findings with experiments.