Simplified models of Dictyostelium discoideum aggregation and slug migration

Abstract

Biological models of Dictyostelium discoideum behaviours are often quite complex. Computer simulations using simplified models provide insight into the biological behaviours but rely on complex mathematics. We studied whether characteristic slime mold behaviours can occur in very simple models that can be easily implemented with any graphical simulation engine. We proposed two excitation based models: neighbour and spherical models, and one simplified cAMP propagation model - the grid model. We succeeded in producing streaming and spiral patterns in aggregation and characteristic thermotaxis in the slug migration life stage of Dictyostelium discoideum.