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Figure 9 | EPJ Nonlinear Biomedical Physics

Figure 9

From: Intrinsic synergistic-topological mechanism versus synergistic-topological matrix in microtubule self-organization

Figure 9

The model of three classes of synergistic-topological matrix shown as shaped by the synergistic-topological mechanism. Here we use the example of quintet fiber and illustrate, three main classes of fiber end-configurations obtained in cases: (A) The effects of local GTP-tubulin depletion and local cross diffusion are equilibrated. This case is relevant for biological system such as polarized epithelial cell (Schroer et al. [57]) (see Figure 12A). (B) Depletion effects are overwhelmed by stabilization effects of cross diffusion. This case is relevant for biological systems such as rod shape cell of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe (Siegrist and Doe [72]) (see Figure 12B). (C) Local cross diffusion effects are overwhelmed by depletion effects. This case is relevant for biological system of fibroblast, i.e. in formation of leading edge cortical polarity during fibroblast migration (Siegrist and Doe [72]) (see Figure 12C). The zone of associated local solution conditions as part of the matrix are determined by the extension of depletion and cross diffusion. As the number of fiber microtubules increases, its topology becomes more complex by exerting stronger effects on local events. Furthermore, in addition to the initial stage (S1) (which is ruled prevalently by intrinsic microtubule stability), synergy between GTP-tubulin local depletion, local cross diffusion, and dynamic instability, begin to play prominent role in establishing the matrix of the fiber end-configuration. Depletion destabilizes microtubule end and inhibits microtubule growth. Cross diffusion stabilizes microtubule end and stimulates microtubule growth. Dynamic instability eliminates microtubule, partially or totally due to depolymerisation. Dynamic instability may occur at any stage, but for clarity we illustrate it as commencing at stage S4. It is assumed that external microtubules, as the most unstable are the most likely prone to dynamic instability. It may start at any external side of fiber or at both.

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