1 research outputs found
Modelling the dawn of simple multicellularity : Cooperation, physics and evolutionary branching
L'aparici贸 de la pluricel路lularitat (MC) va definir un esdeveniment evolutiu important en la
hist貌ria de la vida al nostre planeta. Ha tingut lloc diverses vegades dins de grups
independents i diferents enfocaments han donat llum als seus or铆gens.
Un enfocament reeixit del problema es basa en models te貌rics i computacionals. En aquesta
tesi abordem el problema de la MC des d'una perspectiva de sistemes complexos, prestant
atenci贸 a les caracter铆stiques potencials anteriors a l'anomenada MC "simple".
Suposant que no hi ha control gen猫tic i, per tant, cap conjunt d'eines moleculars
especificades, explorem el potencial generatiu de models m铆nims de MC encarnat que
incorporen l'adhesi贸, la commutaci贸 fenot铆pica i l'estr猫s ambiental com a tres factors clau
que impulsen l'agregaci贸 col路lectiva en conjunts cel路lulars.
S'han trobat i analitzat nous tipus d'escenaris de ramificaci贸 evolutiva, mecanismes de
formaci贸 de patrons i organitzaci贸 dels organismes mitjan莽ant diferents aproximacions
matem脿tiques i de simulaci贸.The emergence of multicellularity (MC) defined a major evolutionary event in the history of
life on our planet. It took place several times within independent groups and different
approaches have shed light on its origins.
One successful approach to the problem is grounded in theoretical and computational
models. In this thesis we approach the problem of MC from a complex systems perspective,
paying attention to the potential features that predate so-called "simple" MC.
Assuming no genetic control and thus no specified molecular toolkit, we explore the
generative potential of minimal models of embodied MC that incorporate adhesion,
phenotypic switching and environmental stress as three key factors driving collective
aggregation in cellular assemblies.
Novel types of evolutionary branching scenarios, spatial pattern-forming mechanisms and
organismal organization have been found and are analysed using different mathematical and
simulation approximations