Applications of a theory of biological pattern formation based on lateral inhibition

Abstract

Model calculations are presented for various problems of development on the basis of a theory of primary pattern formation which we previously proposed. The theory involves short-range autocatalytic activation and longer-range inhibition (lateral inhibition). When a certain criterion is satisfied, self-regulating patterns are generated. The autocatalytic features of the theory are demonstrated by simulations of the determination of polarity in the Xenopus retina. General conditions for marginal and internal activation, and corresponding effects of symmetry are discussed. Special molecular mechanisms of pattern formation are proposed in which activator is chemically converted into inhibitor, or an activator precursor is depleted by conversion into activator. The (slow) effects of primary patterns on differentiation can be included into the formalism in a straightforward manner. In conjunction with growth, this can lead to asymmetric steady states of cell types, cell differentiation and proliferation as found, for instance, in growing and budding hydra. In 2 dimensions, 2 different types of patterns can be obtained. Under some assumptions, a single pattern-forming system produces a ‘bristle’ type pattern of peaks of activity with rather regular spacings on a surface. Budding of hydra is treated on this basis. If, however, gradients develop under the influence of a weak external or marginal asymmetry, a monotonic gradient can be formed across the entire field, and 2 such gradient-forming systems can specify ‘positional information’ in 2 dimensions. If inhibitor equilibrates slowly, a spatial pattern may oscillate, as observed with regard to the intracellular activation of cellular slime moulds. The applications are intended to demonstrate the ability of the proposed theory to explain properties frequently encountered in developing systems.