Two-stage aggregate formation via streams in myxobacteria

Abstract

In response to adverse conditions, myxobacteria form aggregates that develop into fruiting bodies. We model myxobacteria aggregation with a lattice cell model based entirely on short-range (nonchemotactic) cell-cell interactions. Local rules result in a two-stage process of aggregation mediated by transient streams. Aggregates resemble those observed in experiment and are stable against even very large perturbations. Noise in individual cell behavior increases the effects of streams and results in larger, more stable aggregates.