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A mathematical model for cell size control in fission yeast
1The Center for Theoretical Biology, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China.
Journal of Theoretical Biology
|March 23, 2010
Summary
This study models fission yeast cell size control, revealing how translational control of Cdc13 and Cdc25 proteins creates positive feedback loops. This mechanism explains the
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Systems Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) cell cycle exhibits distinct 'sizer' and 'timer' phases.
- These phases are characterized by a critical point where cell growth rate changes.
- Understanding the underlying control mechanisms is crucial for cell cycle regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a mathematical model explaining fission yeast cell size control.
- To investigate the role of translational control in coupling cell growth and division.
- To elucidate the mechanism generating 'sizer' and 'timer' phases.
Main Methods:
- Development of an ordinary differential equations (ODEs) model.
- Simulation of the ODE model for wild-type and cdc2-33 mutant fission yeast.
- Comparison of simulation results with experimental data.
Main Results:
- The ODE model accurately reproduces experimental data for wild-type and mutant strains.
- Translational control of Cdc13 and Cdc25 proteins forms positive feedback loops.
- This feedback mechanism leads to a rapid increase in key component activity after a slow initial phase.
Conclusions:
- Coupling cell growth to cell division via translational control explains observed size control properties.
- The model demonstrates how positive feedback loops naturally generate the 'sizer' and 'timer' phases.
- This provides a mechanistic explanation for cell cycle regulation in fission yeast.
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