Signal propagation in sensing and reciprocating cellular systems with spatial and structural heterogeneity

Sensing and reciprocating cellular systems (SARs) are important for the operation of many biological systems. Production in interferon (IFN) SARs is achieved through activation of the Jak-Stat pathway, and downstream upregulation of IFN regulatory factor (IRF)-3 and IFN transcription, but the role that high and low affinity IFNs play in this process remains unclear. We present a comparative between a minimal spatio-temporal partial differential equation (PDE) model and a novel spatio-structural-temporal (SST) model for the consideration of receptor, binding, and metabolic aspects of SAR behaviour. Using the SST framework, we simulate singleand multicluster paradigms of IFN communication. Simulations reveal a cyclic process between the binding of IFN to the receptor, and the consequent increase in metabolism, decreasing the propensity for binding due to the internal feedback mechanism. One observes the effect of heterogeneity between cellular clusters, allowing them to individualise and increase local production, and within clusters, where we observe ‘subpopular quiescence’; a process whereby intra-cluster subpopulations reduce their binding and metabolism such that other such subpopulations may augment their production. Finally, we observe the ability for low affinity IFN to communicate a long range signal, where Arran Hodgkinson DIMNP UMR 5235, Université de Montpellier, Pl. E. Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France E-mail: [email protected] Giles Uzé DIMNP UMR 5235, Université de Montpellier Pl. E. Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France E-mail: [email protected] Ovidiu Radulescu DIMNP UMR 5235, Université de Montpellier Pl. E. Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France E-mail: [email protected] Dumitru Trucu School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HN, Scotland E-mail: [email protected] ar X iv :1 80 2. 10 17 6v 1 [ qbi o. C B ] 2 5 Fe b 20 18 2 Arran Hodgkinson et al. high affinity cannot, and the breakdown of this relationship through the introduction of cell motility. Biological systems may utilise cell motility where environments are unrestrictive and may use fixed system, with low affinity communication, where a localised response is desirable. Mathematics Subject Classification (2010) AMS Subject Classification: 22E46, 53C35, 57S20