Bottleneck-induced transitions in a minimal model for intracellular transport

TL;DR

This paper investigates how localized defects affect the steady-state phases of a minimal intracellular transport model combining TASEP and Langmuir kinetics, revealing complex phase behavior and the concept of a carrying capacity.

Contribution

It introduces a mean-field approach and the concept of carrying capacity to analyze the impact of bottlenecks on phase transitions in a TASEP-based model.

Findings

Identification of a rich phase diagram influenced by defect strength.

Introduction of the carrying capacity concept to distinguish relevant and irrelevant defects.

Discovery of novel bottleneck-induced phases with complex topological properties.

Abstract

We consider the influence of disorder on the non-equilibrium steady state of a minimal model for intracellular transport. In this model particles move unidirectionally according to the \emph{totally asymmetric exclusion process} (TASEP) and are coupled to a bulk reservoir by \emph{Langmuir kinetics}. Our discussion focuses on localized point defects acting as a bottleneck for the particle transport. Combining analytic methods and numerical simulations, we identify a rich phase behavior as a function of the defect strength. Our analytical approach relies on an effective mean-field theory obtained by splitting the lattice into two subsystems, which are effectively connected exploiting the local current conservation. Introducing the key concept of a carrying capacity, the maximal current which can flow through the bulk of the system (including the defect), we discriminate between the cases where the defect is irrelevant and those where it acts as a bottleneck and induces various novel phases (called {\it bottleneck phases}). Contrary to the simple TASEP in the presence of inhomogeneities, many scenarios emerge and translate into rich underlying phase-diagrams, the topological properties of which are discussed.