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Polynomial growth dynamics of telomere loss in a heterogeneous cell population. (English) Zbl 0908.92025

The paper describes a continuous time model for cell division. The main object of analysis is the chromosomal telomere length. Hypothetically the loss of telomeres explains the finite proliferative capacity of cell lines. The model is a system of first-order linear partial differential equations and is investigated by the classical approach. The authors find that the cell population is growing polynomially fast and lower telomere states grow faster. The asymptotic limit is determined only by the highest telomere state.

MSC:

92D25 Population dynamics (general)
47D06 One-parameter semigroups and linear evolution equations
47N60 Applications of operator theory in chemistry and life sciences
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