A cellular oscillator model for periodic pattern formation

Jaeger, J Goodwin, BC

J. Jaeger et Bc. Goodwin, A cellular oscillator model for periodic pattern formation, J THEOR BIO, 213(2), 2001, pp. 171-181

45

INGLESE

Article

Multidisciplinary

JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL BIOLOGY

0022-5193 → ACNP

213

2

2001

171 - 181

ISI

0022-5193(20011121)213:2<171:ACOMFP>2.0.ZU;2-F

In this paper, we present a model for pattern formation in developing organ isms that is based on cellular oscillators (CO). An oscillatory process wit hin cells serves as a developmental clock whose period is tightly regulated by cell autonomous or non-autonomous mechanisms. A spatial pattern is gene rated as a result of an initial temporal ordering of the cell oscillators f reezing into spatial order as the clocks slow down and stop at different ti mes or phases in their cycles. We apply a CO model to vertebrate somitogene sis and show that we can reproduce the dynamics of periodic gene expression patterns observed in the pre-somitic mesoderm. We also show how varying so mite lengths can be generated with the CO model. We then discuss the model in view of experimental evidence and its relevance to other instances of bi ological pattern formation, showing its versatility as a pattern generator. (C) 2001 Academic Press.