Geometrical compartmentalization of trigger waves.

ABSTRACT: Trigger waves, self-regenerating fronts of biochemical activity that spread without losing speed or amplitude, are widespread in cell signaling. Apoptosis is one example of a process that propagates through the cytoplasm via trigger waves. Curiously, in some contexts, like synaptic pruning, apoptotic caspase activation is confined to specific subcellular regions. We hypothesized that at junctions between a thin cytoplasmic extension, like a dendritic spine, and a thicker one, like a dendrite, trigger wave propagation may be blocked even though diffusion is not, as a result of the general properties of trigger waves and bistable systems. This hypothesis was explored theoretically through modeling studies and dimensional arguments, which confirmed that trigger wave compartmentalization was p

SUBMITTER: Li Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12519175 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature