Cellular gradient flow structure connects single-cell-level rules and population-level dynamics

TL;DR

This paper uncovers a gradient flow structure linking single-cell rules to population dynamics, explaining how cellular behaviors emerge from population-level principles and providing a theoretical framework for multicellular systems.

Contribution

It introduces a novel gradient flow framework connecting single-cell rules with population dynamics, supported by theoretical analysis and a T-cell immune response model.

Findings

Single-cell rules emerge from the gradient flow structure.

The framework applies to T-cell immune response modeling.

Provides a basis for understanding multicellular functions.

Abstract

In multicellular systems, the single-cell behaviors should be coordinated consistently with the overall population dynamics and functions. However, the interrelation between single-cell rules and the population-level goal is still elusive. In this work, we reveal that these two levels are naturally connected via a gradient flow structure of the heterogeneous cellular population and that biologically prevalent single-cell rules such as unidirectional type-switching and hierarchical order in types emerge from this structure. We also demonstrate the gradient flow structure in a standard model of the T-cell immune response. This theoretical framework works as a basis for understanding multicellular dynamics and functions.