The impact of phenotypic heterogeneity on chemotactic self-organisation
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Publication:6403482
DOI10.1007/S11538-022-01099-ZarXiv2206.14448MaRDI QIDQ6403482FDOQ6403482
Authors: Fiona R. Macfarlane, T. Lorenzi, Kevin J. Painter 
Publication date: 29 June 2022
Abstract: The capacity to aggregate through chemosensitive movement forms a paradigm of self-organisation, with examples spanning cellular and animal systems. A basic mechanism assumes a phenotypically homogeneous population that secretes its own attractant, with the well known system introduced more than five decades ago by Keller and Segel proving resolutely popular in modelling studies. The typical assumption of population phenotypic homogeneity, however, often lies at odds with the heterogeneity of natural systems, where populations may comprise distinct phenotypes that vary according to their chemotactic ability, attractant secretion, {it etc}. To initiate an understanding into how this diversity can impact on autoaggregation, we propose a simple extension to the classical Keller and Segel model, in which the population is divided into two distinct phenotypes: those performing chemotaxis and those producing attractant. Using a combination of linear stability analysis and numerical simulations, we demonstrate that switching between these phenotypic states alters the capacity of a population to self-aggregate. Further, we show that switching based on the local environment (population density or chemoattractant level) leads to diverse patterning and provides a route through which a population can effectively curb the size and density of an aggregate. We discuss the results in the context of real world examples of chemotactic aggregation, as well as theoretical aspects of the model such as global existence and blow-up of solutions.
Stability in context of PDEs (35B35) Pattern formations in context of PDEs (35B36) Developmental biology, pattern formation (92C15) Cell movement (chemotaxis, etc.) (92C17)
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