TY - JOUR
T1 - Signaling gradients in surface dynamics as basis for planarian regeneration
AU - Scheel, Arnd
AU - Stevens, Angela
AU - Tenbrock, Christoph
PY - 2021/6/26
Y1 - 2021/6/26
N2 - Based on experimental data, we introduce and analyze a system of reaction-diffusion equations for the regeneration of planarian flatworms. We model dynamics of head and tail cells expressing positional control genes that translate into localized signals which in turn guide stem cell differentiation. Tissue orientation and positional information are encoded in a long range wnt-related signaling gradient. Our system correctly reproduces typical cut and graft experiments, and improves on previous models by preserving polarity in regeneration over orders of magnitude in body size during growth phases. Key to polarity preservation in our model flatworm is the sensitivity of cell differentiation to gradients of wnt-related signals relative to the tissue surface. This process is particularly relevant in small tissue layers close to cuts during their healing, and modeled in a robust fashion through dynamic boundary conditions.
AB - Based on experimental data, we introduce and analyze a system of reaction-diffusion equations for the regeneration of planarian flatworms. We model dynamics of head and tail cells expressing positional control genes that translate into localized signals which in turn guide stem cell differentiation. Tissue orientation and positional information are encoded in a long range wnt-related signaling gradient. Our system correctly reproduces typical cut and graft experiments, and improves on previous models by preserving polarity in regeneration over orders of magnitude in body size during growth phases. Key to polarity preservation in our model flatworm is the sensitivity of cell differentiation to gradients of wnt-related signals relative to the tissue surface. This process is particularly relevant in small tissue layers close to cuts during their healing, and modeled in a robust fashion through dynamic boundary conditions.
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U2 - 10.1007/s00285-021-01627-w
DO - 10.1007/s00285-021-01627-w
M3 - Article
C2 - 34173885
AN - SCOPUS:85111785265
SN - 0303-6812
VL - 83
SP - 6
JO - Journal of Mathematical Biology
JF - Journal of Mathematical Biology
IS - 1
ER -