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A mathematical model for the formation of feather germs
by
Charlotte Jupp
Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford
Coauthors: Dr. Ruth Baker, Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford. baker@maths.ox.ac.uk;
Prof. Philip Maini, Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford. maini@maths.ox.ac.uk
In developmental biology, a number of theories, none of which fully explain biological results, have been suggested for the mechanisms involved in the generation of spatial patterns. We develop a cell-chemotaxis model to describe the pattern of forming feather germs in the skin of chicken embryos. In our model the cells are responding to a chemical gradient created by two morphogens which react and diffuse according to a Turing mechanism. The model will be used to analyse the effects of an increase in cell density and morphogen concentration upon the system. We will show that these results match the findings of biological experimentation with regards to the number, size and spacing of feather germs. We shall also demonstrate that our model is capable of replicating both the simultaneous and sequential generation of feather germs as occurs in vitro and in vivo, respectively.
Date received: May 8, 2008
Copyright © 2008 by the author(s). The author(s) of this document and the organizers of the conference have granted their consent to include this abstract in Atlas Conferences Inc. Document # cawd-60.