Spatial Heterogeneity of Autoinducer Regulation Systems

Sensors

Burkhard A. Hense¹  Johannes Müller²  Christina Kuttler² 

[1] Institute of Biomathematics and Biometry, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany;Department of Mathematics, Technische Universität München, Boltzmannstraße 3, 85748 Garching, Germany; E-Mails:

关键词: autoinducer regulation network;    spatial heterogeneity;    division of work;    hybrid push/pull control;    quorum sensing;   

DOI  :  10.3390/s120404156

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Autoinducer signals enable coordinated behaviour of bacterial populations, a phenomenon originally described as quorum sensing. Autoinducer systems are often controlled by environmental substances as nutrients or secondary metabolites (signals) from neighbouring organisms. In cell aggregates and biofilms gradients of signals and environmental substances emerge. Mathematical modelling is used to analyse the functioning of the system. We find that the autoinducer regulation network generates spatially heterogeneous behaviour, up to a kind of multicellularity-like division of work, especially under nutrient-controlled conditions. A hybrid push/pull concept is proposed to explain the ecological function. The analysis allows to explain hitherto seemingly contradicting experimental findings.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2012 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.