PUBLICATION

An updated kernel-based Turing model for studying the mechanisms of biological pattern formation

Authors
Kondo, S.
ID
ZDB-PUB-161114-1
Date
2017
Source
Journal of theoretical biology   414: 120-127 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Kondo, Shigeru
Keywords
Kernel, LALI model, Pattern formation, Pigmentation pattern, Reaction-diffusion model, Turing pattern, zebrafish
MeSH Terms
  • Computer Simulation*
  • Models, Biological*
PubMed
27838459 Full text @ J. Theor. Biol.
Abstract
The reaction-diffusion model presented by Alan Turing has recently been supported by experimental data and accepted by most biologists. However, scientists have recognized shortcomings when the model is used as the working hypothesis in biological experiments, particularly in studies in which the underlying molecular network is not fully understood. To address some such problems, this report proposes a new version of the Turing model. This alternative model is not represented by partial differential equations, but rather by the shape of an activation-inhibition kernel. Therefore, it is named the kernel-based Turing model (KT model). Simulation of the KT model with kernels of various shapes showed that it can generate all standard variations of the stable 2D patterns (spot, stripes and network), as well as some complex patterns that are difficult to generate with conventional mathematical models. The KT model can be used even when the detailed mechanism is poorly known, as the interaction kernel can often be detected by a simple experiment and the KT model simulation can be performed based on that experimental data. These properties of the KT model complement the shortcomings of conventional models and will contribute to the understanding of biological pattern formation.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping