Discrete models of autocrine cell communication in epithelial layers

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2003

Abstract

Pattern formation in epithelial layers heavily relies on cell communication by secreted ligands. Whereas the experimentally observed signaling patterns can be visualized at single-cell resolution, a biophysical framework for their interpretation is currently lacking. To this end, we develop a family of discrete models of cell communication in epithelial layers. The models are based on the introduction of cell-to-cell coupling coefficients that characterize the spatial range of intercellular signaling by diffusing ligands. We derive the coupling coefficients as functions of geometric, cellular, and molecular parameters of the ligand transport problem. Using these coupling coefficients, we analyze a nonlinear model of positive feedback between ligand release and binding. In particular, we study criteria of existence of the patterns consisting of clusters of a few signaling cells, as well as the onset of signal propagation. We use our model to interpret recent experimental studies of the EGFR/Rhomboid/Spitz module in Drosophila development.

Identifier

0037764030 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Biophysical Journal

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-3495(03)75093-0

ISSN

00063495

PubMed ID

12770871

First Page

3624

Last Page

3635

Issue

6

Volume

84

Grant

DMS-0211864

Fund Ref

National Science Foundation

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