Target morphology and cell memory: a model of regenerative pattern formation
Authored by Nikolai Bessonov, Michael Levin, Nadya Morozova, Natalia Reinberg, Alen Tosenberger, Vitaly Volpert
Date Published: 2015
DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.165216
Sponsors:
the Templeton World Charity Foundation
W.M. Keck Foundation
G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Charitable Foundation
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Model Documentation:
Other Narrative
Mathematical description
Model Code URLs:
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Abstract
Despite the growing body of work on molecular components required for
regenerative repair, we still lack a deep understanding of the ability
of some animal species to regenerate their appropriate complex
anatomical structure following damage. A key question is how
regenerating systems know when to stop growth and remodeling - what
mechanisms implement recognition of correct morphology that signals a
stop condition? In this work, we review two conceptual models of pattern
regeneration that implement a kind of pattern memory. In the first one, all cells communicate with each other and keep the value of the total
signal received from the other cells. If a part of the pattern is
amputated, the signal distribution changes. The difference from the
original signal distribution stimulates cell proliferation and leads to
pattern regeneration, in effect implementing an 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 with the other central cells.
Each of them keeps memory about the signals received from other central
cells. The values of these signals depend on the mutual cell location, and the memory allows regeneration of the structure when it is modified.
The purpose of these models is to suggest possible mechanisms of pattern
regeneration operating on the basis of cell memory which are compatible
with diverse molecular implementation mechanisms within specific
organisms.
Tags
networks
developmental biology
cancer
Mechanisms
Organization
Planarian head regeneration
Morphogenetic
fields
Wounds
Identification
Similarities