arXiv subjects

Eduardo P. Olimpio

Publications and source records attributed to Eduardo P. Olimpio.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2017

Statistical dynamics of spatial-order formation by communicating cells

Communicating cells can coordinate their gene expressions to form spatial patterns. 'Secrete-and-sense cells' secrete and sense the same molecule to do so and are ubiquitous. Here we address why and how these cells, from disordered beginnings, can form spatial order through a statistical mechanics-type framework for cellular communication. Classifying cellular lattices by 'macrostate' variables - 'spatial order paramete' and average gene-expression level - reveals a conceptual picture: cellular lattices act as particles rolling down on 'pseudo-energy landscapes' shaped by a 'Hamiltonian' for cellular communication. Particles rolling down represent cells' spatial order increasing. Particles trapped on the landscapes represent metastable spatial configurations. The gradient of the Hamiltonian and a 'trapping probability' determine the particle's equation of motion. This framework is extendable to more complex forms of cellular communication.

q-bio.QM↗

arXiv2016

Progress towards quantitative design principles of multicellular systems

Living systems, particularly multicellular systems, often seem hopelessly complex. But recent studies have suggested that beneath this complexity, there may be unifying quantitative principles that we are only now starting to unravel. All cells interact with their environments and with other cells. Communication among cells is a primary means for cells to interact with each other. The complexity of these multicellular systems, due to the large numbers of cells and the diversity of intracellular and intercellular interactions, makes understanding multicellular systems a daunting task. To overcome this challenge, we will likely need judicious simplifications and conceptual frameworks that can reveal design principles that are shared among diverse multicellular systems. Here we review some recent progress towards developing such frameworks.

q-bio.MN↗