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Updated: May 31, 2026
07:42
On-Chip Crystallization and Large-Scale Serial Diffraction at Room Temperature
Published on: March 11, 2022
A dynamical model of ommatidial crystal formation
David K Lubensky1, Matthew W Pennington, Boris I Shraiman
1Department of Physics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1040, USA. dkluben@umich.edu
Summary
This study reveals a novel "switch and template" mechanism in Drosophila eye development, differing from Turing instability. This model explains R8 photoreceptor cell selection and predicts stripe patterns observed experimentally.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Mathematical Modeling
- Genetics
Background:
- The Drosophila eye serves as a model for developmental pattern formation.
- R8 photoreceptor lattice formation involves proneural gene activation at a moving front.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a mathematical model of the activator-inhibitor system governing R8 photoreceptor selection.
- To investigate the role of positive induction dynamics in cell fate determination.
- To explore an alternative to standard lateral inhibition models.
Main Methods:
- Mathematical modeling of activator-inhibitor systems.
- Analysis of proneural gene expression dynamics.
- Experimental manipulation of Notch and scabrous genes in Drosophila.
Main Results:
- The
Conclusions:
- The
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