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A model of intracellular transport of particles in an axon

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Abstract

In this paper we develop a model of intracellular transport of cell organelles and vesicles along the axon of a nerve cell. These particles are moving alternately by processive motion along a microtubule with the aid of motor proteins, and by diffusion. The model involves a degenerate system of diffusion equations. We prove a maximum principle and establish existence and behavior of a unique solution. Numerical results show how the transportation of mass depends on the relevant parameters of the model.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mathematical Biosciences Institute, The Ohio State University, 231 W 18th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210

    Avner Friedman & Gheorghe Craciun

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  1. Avner Friedman
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  2. Gheorghe Craciun
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Correspondence to Avner Friedman.

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Friedman, A., Craciun, G. A model of intracellular transport of particles in an axon. J. Math. Biol. 51, 217–246 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00285-004-0285-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00285-004-0285-3

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