Universal quasi-particle kinetics control the cell death decision

Abstract

Understanding how fluctuations propagate across spatial scales is central to our understanding of inanimate matter from turbulence to critical phenomena. In contrast to physical systems, biological systems are organized into a hierarchy of processes on a discrete set of spatial scales: they are compartmentalized. Here, we show that dynamic compartmentalization of stochastic systems leads to emergent, quasi-particle-like kinetics which are used by cells to perform key biological functions. Specifically, we derive a general theory that predicts the emergence of a single degree of freedom irrespective of system specifics. We obtain equations of motion and response characterising its unique kinetic properties. We experimentally demonstrate the biological relevance of quasi-particle kinetics in the decision of cells to commit suicide (apoptosis). Using fluorescent microscopy, we show that the response of cells to apoptotic stimuli exhibits quasi-particle like kinetics which establish a low-pass filter for cellular stress signals. By highlighting that cells manipulate how noise and signals propagate across spatial scales, our work reveals a new mechanism of cell fate decision-making.