Moving Forward Moving Backward: Directional Sorting of Chemotactic Cells due to Size and Adhesion Differences
2006
Directional Sorting of Chemotactic Cells
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Käfer Jos, Hogeweg Paulien, Marée Athanasius F. M.
Primary Institution: Utrecht University
Hypothesis
How do size and adhesion differences affect the directional sorting of chemotactic cells?
Conclusion
The study shows that cell sorting is influenced by both cell properties and tissue constraints, leading to complex movement patterns.
Supporting Evidence
- Cell sorting is faster when chemotaxis is involved compared to sorting driven by adhesion alone.
- Cells can move in the opposite direction of the chemotactic signal due to pressure gradients.
- The direction of cell movement is influenced by the relative sizes and adhesion properties of the cells.
Takeaway
Cells can move in different directions based on their size and how sticky they are to each other, even going against the direction they are supposed to move.
Methodology
The study uses a Cellular Potts Model to simulate cell sorting based on adhesion and chemotaxis.
Limitations
The model assumes uniform chemotactic responses and does not account for dynamic changes in cell properties.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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