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Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Planar Gradient Diffusion System to Investigate Chemotaxis in a 3D Collagen Matrix

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Published on: June 12, 2015

Protein concentration gradients and switching diffusions.

Paul C Bressloff¹, Sean D Lawley¹, Patrick Murphy¹

¹Department of Mathematics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA.

Physical Review. E

|April 20, 2019

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study reveals a novel mechanism for generating molecular gradients essential for cell development. By altering diffusion rates based on location, cells can form gradients without traditional sources, crucial for subcellular processes.

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Last Updated: Jan 26, 2026

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Preparation of Synaptic Plasma Membrane and Postsynaptic Density Proteins Using a Discontinuous Sucrose Gradient

Preparation of Synaptic Plasma Membrane and Postsynaptic Density Proteins Using a Discontinuous Sucrose Gradient

Published on: September 3, 2014

Area of Science:

Developmental Biology
Cellular Biophysics
Theoretical Biology

Background:

Morphogen gradients are crucial for embryonic development, guiding cell fate determination.
Traditional gradient formation relies on localized sources and degradation, which is ineffective at subcellular scales.
Existing models struggle to explain gradient formation over short distances where diffusion rapidly dissipates asymmetry.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate an alternative mechanism for generating molecular concentration gradients using switching diffusivities.
To extend theoretical analysis of switching diffusivities to protein concentration gradient formation.
To demonstrate how space-dependent switching diffusivities can create gradients without localized sources.

Main Methods:

Mathematical analysis of molecular diffusion with spatially dependent switching rates.
Comparison of theoretical predictions with experimental and computational data from Caenorhabditis elegans zygotes.
Development of explicit formulas for intracellular concentration gradients.

Main Results:

Switching diffusivities provide a viable mechanism for generating concentration gradients at subcellular scales.
Spatially dependent switching diffusivities can establish gradients independently of localized morphogen sources.
Derived formulas accurately predict intracellular concentration gradients, aligning with experimental findings.

Conclusions:

Switching diffusivities offer a new paradigm for understanding morphogen gradient formation in biological systems.
This mechanism is critical for cell polarization and potentially other developmental processes at fine spatial scales.
The theoretical framework provides quantitative predictions that can guide future experimental investigations.