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Modelling Circadian Rhythms in Drosophilaand Investigation of VRI and PDP1 Feedback LoopsUsing a New Mathematical Model

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 October 2008

D. Kulasiri  and
Z. Xie
D. Kulasiri*
Affiliation:
Centre for Advanced Computational Solutions (C-fACS) Cell Biology Group, Lincoln University, New Zealand
Z. Xie
Affiliation:
Centre for Advanced Computational Solutions (C-fACS) Cell Biology Group, Lincoln University, New Zealand
*
[email protected][email protected]
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Abstract

We present a brief review of molecular biological basis and mathematical modelling of circadian rhythms in Drosophila. We discuss pertinent aspects of a new modelthat incorporates the transcriptional feedback loops revealed so far in the network of thecircadian clock (PER/TIM and VRI/PDP1 loops). Conventional Hill functions are not usedto describe the regulation of genes, instead the explicit reactions of binding and unbindingprocesses of transcription factors to promoters are probabilistically modelled. The modelis described by a set of ordinary differential equations, and the parameters are estimatedfrom the in vitro experimental data of the clocks' components. The model is robust over awide range of parameter variations. Through the sensitivity analysis of the model, roles ofVRI and PDP1 feedback loops are investigated, and it is proposed that they increase therobustness of the clock.

Keywords

circadian rhythmsDrosophilagene expressiontranscriptiontranslationrobustness
Type
Research Article
Information
Mathematical Modelling of Natural Phenomena , Volume 3 , Issue 2: Gene network regulation , 2008 , pp. 1 - 26
Copyright
© EDP Sciences, 2008

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