Computational analysis of signal dynamics induced by ligands

Abstract

During tissue development, cells differentiate creating a cellular pattern thanks to communication frameworks like the one studied, the Notch signalling pathway. In such mechanisms a cell interacts with the surrounding cells through proteins called ligands. With a numerical simulation program we manage to confirm the formation of cell patterns and doing a lineal stability analysis we find under which conditions the pattern can arise for a sustained signal activation. Furthermore, when implementing a transitory pulsating signal dynamics we find that a minimum interaction time is required if the cells are to differentiate