arXiv · 2602.23042
A Single Equation Explains Go-or-Grow Dynamics in Cyclic Hypoxia
Abstract
We propose a minimal mathematical framework to describe the go-or-grow dynamics of tumor cells comprising two phenotypically distinct populations. One population is migratory and undergoes linear diffusion, while the other proliferates in an oxygen-dependent manner. The local oxygen concentration governs transitions between these phenotypes. We then ask whether these two coupled phenotype-specific equations can be reduced to a single mixed-phenotype equation under cyclic hypoxia. We establish a connection between the minimal go-or-grow model with distinct phenotypic populations and a reduced model describing a single-cell population with oxygen-dependent diffusion and proliferation in the fast-phenotypic-switching regime. This theoretical reduction is validated through numerical simulations.
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Gopinath Sadhu, Philip K Maini, Mohit Kumar Jolly. 2026-02-26. A Single Equation Explains Go-or-Grow Dynamics in Cyclic Hypoxia. https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.23042
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