A G protein-based model of adaptation in Dictyostelium discoideum.

A new model is proposed based on signal transduction via G proteins for adaptation of the signal relay process in the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum. The kinetic constants involved in the model are estimated from Dictyostelium discoideum and other systems. A qualitative analysis of the model shows how adaptation arises, and numerical computations show that the model agrees with observations in both perfusion and suspension experiments. Several experiments that can serve to test the model are suggested.