John Dallon: Paper Abstract
Mathematically modeling the effects of counting factor (CF) in Dictyostelium discoideum
AUTHORS:
John C. Dallon 1, Wonhee Jang 2, and Richard H. Gomer 2
1: Department of Mathematics, Brigham Young University,
Provo, UT 84602
2:Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX 7705-1892
ABSTRACT:
Size regulation is a crucial feature in many biological systems. The
recent discovery of counting factor in {\em Dictyostelium discoideum}
will lead to a greater understanding of how the system regulates the
size of a group of cells. In this paper we mathematically model the
known effects of counting factor using two different models: a
cellular automata model and a discrete continuum hybrid model. With
the use of these models we are able to understand how modulation of
adhesion and motile force by counting factor can facilitate stream
breakup. In addition the modeling suggest a new possible mechanism
for stream breakup involving the frequency of cell reorientation,
which new experimental data suggests is indeed influenced by counting
factor.
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