A mathematical model explains saturating axon guidance responses to molecular gradients

摘要: Correct wiring is crucial for the proper functioning of nervous system. Molecular gradients provide critical signals to guide growth cones, which are motile tips developing axons, their targets. However, in vitro, cones trace highly stochastic trajectories, and exactly how molecular bias movement unclear. Here, we introduce a mathematical model based on persistence, bias, noise describe this behaviour, constrained directly by measurements detailed statistics cone movements both attractive repulsive microfluidic device. This provides explanation why average axon turning angles vitro saturate very rapidly with time at relatively small values. work introduces most accurate predictive trajectories date, deepens our understanding guidance events vivo.