Target morphology and cell memory: a model of regenerative pattern formation Cell Memory Can Regulate Morphogenesis and Regeneration
Abstract
Despite the growing body of work on molecular components required for regenerative repair, westill lack a deep understanding of the ability of some animal species to regenerate their appropriatecomplex anatomical structure following damage. A key question is how regenerating systemsknow when to stop growth and remodeling – what mechanisms implement recognition of correctmorphology that signals a stop condition? In this work, we review two conceptual modelsof pattern regeneration that implement a kind of pattern memory. In the first one, all cells communicatewith each other and keep the value of the total signal received from the other cells. If apart of the pattern is amputated, the signal distribution changes. The difference from the originalsignal distribution stimulates cell proliferation and leads to pattern regeneration, in effect implementingan error minimization process that uses signaling memory to achieve pattern correction.In the second model, we consider a more complex pattern organization with different cell types.Each tissue contains a central (coordinator) cell that controls the tissue and communicates withthe other central cells. Each of them keeps memory about the signals received from other centralcells. The values of these signals depend on the mutual cell location, and the memory allowsregeneration of the structure when it is modified. The purpose of these models is to suggestpossible mechanisms of pattern regeneration operating on the basis of cell memory which arecompatible with diverse molecular implementation mechanisms within specific organisms.
Domains
Analysis of PDEs [math.AP]Origin | Files produced by the author(s) |
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