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Robust concentration and frequency control in oscillatory homeostats
Kristian Thorsen1, Oleg Agafonov2, Christina H Selstø2
1Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway.
Plos One
|September 20, 2014
Summary
This study extends the concept of homeostasis to biological oscillators, revealing their ability to maintain stable average levels and frequencies despite perturbations. These "oscillatory homeostats" offer new insights into biological stability and adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Control theory
- Systems biology
- Biochemical regulation
Background:
- Homeostasis maintains organismal stability via feedback control.
- Classical homeostasis struggles with biological oscillations like circadian rhythms.
- Biological oscillators share similarities with homeostatic mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate homeostatic and adaptive behaviors in biological oscillators.
- To extend the concept of homeostasis to include oscillatory systems.
- To identify generalizable properties of oscillatory homeostats.
Main Methods:
- Utilized previously established kinetic conditions for robust homeostasis models.
- Analyzed mechanisms enabling compensatory changes in frequency and/or amplitude.
- Examined properties for maintaining oscillator period/frequency within a defined range.
Main Results:
- Identified "oscillatory homeostats" that maintain controlled variable set-points.
- Demonstrated compensatory changes in frequency/amplitude for robust regulation.
- Showcased the ability to tune oscillator period/frequency within a defined range.
Conclusions:
- Biological oscillators can exhibit robust homeostatic and adaptive behaviors.
- Oscillatory homeostasis involves dynamic adjustments in frequency and amplitude.
- Findings have implications for understanding calcium signaling, p53 signaling, and circadian rhythms.
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