When Self-Generated Gradients meet Cell Division: Waves and Speed Selection in a Minimal Model

Abstract

We study a minimal Go-or-Grow model for cell propagation driven by self-generated nutrient gradients, coupling diffusion, division, and directed migration through a discontinuous switching mechanism. We establish local well-posedness, characterize all positive bounded traveling waves, and derive an explicit minimal wave speed. Using neutral fractions, we show that minimal waves undergo a pulled-to-pushed transition as the migratory bias increases, while nonminimal waves remain pulled. Finally, we obtain a weak speed-selection result that singles out the minimal wave speed as the only possible limiting propagation speed.