Krishnan J, Iglesias P A
Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom.
Biophys J. 2007 Feb 1;92(3):816-30. doi: 10.1529/biophysj.106.087353. Epub 2006 Nov 3.
Polarization--the clear and persistent localization of different signaling molecules to opposite ends of the cell-is critical for effective chemotaxis in eukaryotic systems. In many systems, polarization can also occur without an externally imposed chemical gradient. We build a modeling framework to study the relationship between the intrinsic capacity for polarization, and that induced by an external gradient. Working within this framework, we analyze different scenarios for the interaction of these pathways. The models are qualitatively simplified, motivated by known properties of the signaling pathways. We also examine the possible role of nonlinear transitions occurring in the polarization pathways. The modeling framework generates testable predictions regarding the relationship between intrinsic polarization and that induced during chemotaxis, and is the first step toward a systematic analysis of the interaction between these pathways.
极化——不同信号分子清晰且持久地定位于细胞相对两端——对于真核系统中有效的趋化作用至关重要。在许多系统中，即使没有外部施加的化学梯度，极化也可能发生。我们构建了一个建模框架来研究极化的内在能力与外部梯度诱导的极化能力之间的关系。在这个框架内，我们分析了这些途径相互作用的不同情况。这些模型在定性上进行了简化，这是由信号通路的已知特性所推动的。我们还研究了极化途径中发生的非线性转变的可能作用。该建模框架生成了关于内在极化与趋化过程中诱导极化之间关系的可测试预测，并且是朝着对这些途径之间的相互作用进行系统分析迈出的第一步。
