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Cell–cell communication by quorum sensing and dimension-reduction

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Abstract

Several bacterial taxa change their behavior if the population density exceeds a certain threshold. This phenomenon is the consequence of a communication system between the bacteria and is called quorum sensing (QS). Up to now, this phenomenon is mostly modeled at population level. However, new experimental techniques allow for single cell analysis. We introduce a modeling approach for the description of this QS system, including a discussion of the regulatory network and its bistable behavior. Based on this single-cell model we develop and analyze a spatially structured model for a cell population. Special attention is given to the scaling behavior w.r.t. the cell size (leading to an approximation theorem for stationary solutions) and its consequences for the interpretation of cell communication (QS versus diffusion sensing). Concluding, we apply the modeling approach to spatially structured experimental data.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Technical University Munich, Boltzmannstr. 3, 85748, Garching/Munich, Germany

    Johannes Müller

  2. Institute of Biomathematics and Biometry, GSF - National Research Center for Environment and Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Oberschleißheim, Germany

    Christina Kuttler & Burkard A. Hense

  3. Institute of Soil Ecology, Department of Rhizosphere Biology, GSF - National Research Center for Environment and Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Oberschleißheim, Germany

    Michael Rothballer & Anton Hartmann

Authors
  1. Johannes Müller
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  2. Christina Kuttler
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  3. Burkard A. Hense
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  4. Michael Rothballer
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  5. Anton Hartmann
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Johannes Müller.

Additional information

Ch. Kuttler and J. Müller would like to dedicate this work to K.P. Hadeler, who not only introduced us to the fascinating field of mathematical biology, but also offered friendship and help at so many occasions.

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Müller, J., Kuttler, C., Hense, B.A. et al. Cell–cell communication by quorum sensing and dimension-reduction. J. Math. Biol. 53, 672–702 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00285-006-0024-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00285-006-0024-z

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