Publication: Dynamics of pattern formation and emergence of swarming in Caenorhabditis elegans
Files
Program
KU Authors
Co-Authors
Publication Date
Language
Type
Embargo Status
NO
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Alternative Title
Abstract
Many animals collectively form complex patterns to tackle environmental difficulties. Several biological and physical factors, such as animal motility, population densities, and chemical cues, play significant roles in this process. However, very little is known about how sensory information interplays with these factors and controls the dynamics of pattern formation. Here, we study the direct relation between oxygen sensing, pattern formation, and emergence of swarming in active Caenorhabditis elegans aggregates. We find that when thousands of animals gather on food, bacteria-mediated decrease in oxygen level slows down the animals and triggers motility-induced phase separation. Three coupled factors-bacterial accumulation, aerotaxis, and population density-act together and control the entire dynamics. Furthermore, we find that biofilm-forming bacterial lawns including Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strongly alter the collective dynamics due to the limited diffusibility of bacteria. Additionally, our theoretical model captures behavioral differences resulting from genetic variations and oxygen sensitivity.
Source
Publisher
eLife Sciences Publications
Subject
Life sciences and biomedicine
Citation
Has Part
Source
eLife
Book Series Title
Edition
DOI
10.7554/eLife.52781