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The meiotic-mitotic initiation switch in budding yeast maintains its function robustly against sensitive parameter
C T Wannige1, D Kulasiri1, S Samarasinghe1
1Centre for Advanced Computational Solutions (C-fACS), Department of Molecular Biosciences, Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Bio Systems
|September 8, 2014
Summary
This study reveals that the meiotic-mitotic switch in budding yeast is robust, despite a less stable transition region. Mathematical modeling explains how this switch reliably controls cell cycle progression.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Systems Biology
- Mathematical Biology
Background:
- The meiotic-mitotic switch governs cell cycle transitions in budding yeast.
- Previous experiments indicated robust function during early meiosis initiation.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying this switch is crucial for cell cycle control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain the robust functioning of the meiotic-mitotic switch during early meiosis initiation.
- To investigate the impact of parameter perturbations on the budding yeast meiosis initiation network.
- To identify key parameters influencing meiosis and mitosis initiator expression.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of temporal gene expression variations during meiosis initiation.
- Development and application of a mathematical model for budding yeast meiosis initiation.
- Perturbation analysis of sensitive parameters within the meiosis initiation network.
Main Results:
- The transition region of the meiotic-mitotic switch, involving a negative feedback loop between meiosis (Ime2) and mitosis (Cdk1/Cln3) initiators, exhibits lower robustness.
- Despite reduced robustness in the transition region, the overall meiotic-mitotic switch maintains its primary function.
- Sensitive parameters were identified that influence the expression of meiosis and mitosis initiators across all switch stages.
Conclusions:
- The meiotic-mitotic switch in budding yeast demonstrates robust control over cell cycle progression, particularly in transitioning from meiosis to mitosis upon nutrient re-supply.
- Feedback loops are critical for robustness in biological networks, though specific regions like the switch's transition can be less stable.
- Mathematical modeling provides valuable insights into the dynamics and robustness of complex cellular regulatory networks.
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