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arXiv · 2205.13143

Cellular gradient flow structure connects single-cell-level rules and population-level dynamics

Shuhei A. Horiguchi·Tetsuya J. Kobayashi
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Abstract

In multicellular systems, the single-cell behaviors should be coordinated consistently with the overall population dynamics and functions. However, the interrelation between single-cell rules and the population-level goal is still elusive. In this work, we reveal that these two levels are naturally connected via a gradient flow structure of the heterogeneous cellular population and that biologically prevalent single-cell rules such as unidirectional type-switching and hierarchical order in types emerge from this structure. We also demonstrate the gradient flow structure in a standard model of the T-cell immune response. This theoretical framework works as a basis for understanding multicellular dynamics and functions.

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Shuhei A. Horiguchi, Tetsuya J. Kobayashi. 2022-05-26. Cellular gradient flow structure connects single-cell-level rules and population-level dynamics. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevresearch.5.l022052

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