Effect of cell–cell communication on the kinetics of proliferation and differentiation of stem cells

We present a generic mean-field kinetic model describing the interplay between proliferation, differentiation, death and communication in an ensemble of stem and differentiated cells. The model takes into account the influence of signals between cells on the rate and outcome of division of stem cells. The cellular growth kinetics calculated exhibit three phases, including the initial lag phase, transient exponential growth, and steady state. Due to the effect of cell–cell communication on the division outcome, the growth may be slightly non-monotonous. Under certain conditions, the model predicts stable oscillations as well.