Frequency gradients in heterogeneous oscillatory media can spatially localize self-organized wave sources that coordinate system-wide activity [article]

Ria Ghosh, Pavithraa Seenivasan, Shakti N. Menon, S. Sridhar, Nicolas B. Garnier, Alain Pumir, Sitabhra Sinha
2019 arXiv   pre-print
Rhythmogenesis, which is critical for many biological functions, involves a transition to coherent activity through cell-cell communication. In the absence of centralized coordination by specialized cells (pacemakers), competing oscillating clusters impede this global synchrony. We show that spatial symmetry-breaking through a frequency gradient results in the emergence of localized wave sources driving system-wide activity. Such gradients, arising through heterogeneous inter-cellular coupling,
more » ... may explain directed rhythmic activity during labor in the uterus despite the absence of pacemakers.
arXiv:1912.07271v1 fatcat:ojwzirrtrjblfgonlchxhvsnc4