A hybrid mathematical model for self-organizing cell migration in the zebrafish lateral line

Abstract

In this paper we propose a "discrete in continuous" mathematical model for the morphogenesis of the posterior lateral line system in zebrafishes. Our model follows closely the results obtained in recent biological experiments. We rely on a hybrid description: discrete for the cellular level and continuous for the molecular level. We prove the existence of steady solutions consistent with the formation of particular biological structure, the neuromasts. Dynamical numerical simulations are performed to show the behavior of the model and its qualitative and quantitative accuracy to describe the evolution of the cell aggregate.