Measuring collective behaviour of multicellular ensembles: role of space-time scales

Rajesh, S. ; Sinha, Somdatta (2008) Measuring collective behaviour of multicellular ensembles: role of space-time scales Journal of Biosciences, 33 (2). pp. 289-301. ISSN 0250-5991

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Official URL: http://www.ias.ac.in/jbiosci/jun2008/289.pdf

Related URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12038-008-0046-3

Abstract

Living systems are spectacular examples of spatiotemporally organized structures. During the development of complex organization there is dynamic equilibrium between the local and global processes acting at the intra-and intercellular levels in multiple space and time scales. Although in modelling studies such spatiotemporal systems can be described by different space-time scales and at many organizational levels, the experimental quantities measured and predictions useful for practical applications are at a macroscopic (coarser or averaged) level/scale; these are limited by the resolution of the measuring method and experimental protocol. In this work, we address whether the spatiotemporal collective dynamics exhibited by a multiscale system can discriminate between, or be borne out by, the coarse-grained and averaged measurements done at different spatial and temporal scales. Using a simple model of a ring of cells, we show that measurements of both spatial and spatiotemporal average behaviour in this multicellular ensemble can mask the variety of collective dynamics observed at other space-time scales, and exhibit completely different behaviours. Such outcomes of measurements can lead to incomplete and incorrect understanding of physiological functions and pathogenesis in multicell ensembles.

Item Type:Article
Source:Copyright of this article belongs to Indian Academy of Sciences.
Keywords:Collective Behaviour; Multiscale Modelling; Spatiotemporal Dynamics; Synchronization
ID Code:56202
Deposited On:23 Aug 2011 12:06
Last Modified:18 May 2016 08:07

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