Bridging scales in a multiscale pattern-forming system

Self-organized pattern formation is vital for many biological processes. Reaction-diffusion models have advanced our understanding of how biological systems develop spatial structures, starting from homogeneity. However, biological processes inherently involve multiple spatial and temporal scales and transition from one pattern to another...

Bulk-surface coupling identifies the mechanistic connection between Min-protein patterns in vivo and in vitro

Self-organisation of Min proteins is responsible for the spatial control of cell division in Escherichia coli, and has been studied both in vivo and in vitro. Intriguingly, the protein patterns observed in these settings differ qualitatively and quantitatively. This puzzling dichotomy has not been resolved to date. Using reconstituted...

Multistability and dynamic transitions of intracellular Min protein patterns

Cells owe their internal organization to self-organized protein patterns, which originate and adapt to growth and external stimuli via a process that is as complex as it is little understood. Here, we study the emergence, stability, and state transitions of multistable Min protein oscillation patterns in live Escherichia coli bacteria during...