Synchronization of eukaryotic cells by periodic forcing

Area of Science:

• Mathematical biology
• Cell cycle dynamics
• Nonlinear dynamics

Background:

• The eukaryotic cell cycle is a fundamental biological process.
• Understanding cell cycle control is crucial for cell biology and disease research.
• Periodic external stimuli can influence biological oscillators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the synchronization of a eukaryotic cell population under simultaneous periodic forcing of cell cycle and growth dynamics.
• To identify the conditions and parameter regimes for achieving a synchronized, mode-locked state.
• To analyze the impact of biological variability and cell-cell interactions on synchronization.

Main Methods:

• Development of a minimal mathematical model for the eukaryotic cell cycle.
• Application of periodic forcing to both cell cycle engine and cell growth.
• Simplification of the model to two key variables: cell cycle phase and cell mass.
• Calculation of Lyapunov exponents to determine synchronization parameter windows.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of population synchronization in a mode-locked regime under periodic forcing.
• Identification of a specific parameter window for achieving synchronization.
• Analysis of how intrinsic mitotic fluctuations, asymmetric division, and weak coupling affect synchronization pace.

Conclusions:

• Periodic forcing can effectively synchronize eukaryotic cell populations.
• The simplified two-variable model accurately captures synchronization dynamics.
• Factors like fluctuations and coupling modulate the speed and stability of synchronization.