Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Imaging Spatial Reorganization of a MAPK Signaling Pathway Using the Tobacco Transient Expression System
Published on: March 20, 2016
Bifurcations and chaos in the MAPK signaling cascade
1Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Nöthnitzer Str. 38, 01187 Dresden, Germany. zumsande@mpipks-dresden.mpg.de
Abstract:
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is an important signaling cascade in eukaryotes. We use the approach of generalized modeling to analyze the dynamics of the MAPK cascade and identify key mechanisms of instability. Furthermore, we report sustained multi-mode oscillations and potentially chaotic behavior caused by a sequestration-based feedback mechanism. Finally, we investigate the interplay between sequestration and external feedback loops. Our analysis thereby confirms, extends and generalizes previous results obtained by conventional modeling and points out the diversity of dynamics that sequestration can bring about.
Related Concept Videos
MAPK Signaling Cascades
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
Amplifying Signals via Enzymatic Cascade
Intracellular Signaling Cascades
Intracellular Signaling Cascades
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway

