Figure 3

Conversion of spatially anisotropic model inputs into a homogeneous activation of effector caspases. (A, B) Kinetics of substrate cleavage by effector caspases at the near and far ends of the modelled cell in presence (A) or absence (B) of diffusion. In presence of diffusion, substrate cleavage kinetics superimpose at the near and far ends. (C, D) Full spatiotemporal profiles of substrate cleavage by effector caspases in presence (C) or absence (D) of diffusion. The pseudo-colour scale indicates percentage of substrate cleavage in space and time. Homogeneous substrate cleavage profiles across the full distance were observed in presence of diffusion, while delays displayed in absence of diffusion. (E, F) Full spatiotemporal profiles of free effector caspase-3 in presence (C) or absence (D) of diffusion. The pseudo-colour scale indicates the amount of free active caspase-3 as percentage of the total pro-caspase-3 present before initiating the reaction network.