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Modelling and analysing biological oscillations in quorum sensing networks
Menghan Chen1, Haihong Liu1, Fang Yan2
1Department of Mathematical, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, People's Republic of China.
IET Systems Biology
|August 2, 2020
Summary
Time delay in bacterial quorum sensing (QS) systems can induce oscillations crucial for drug delivery in cancer treatment. Researchers modeled these effects, finding a delay threshold that triggers oscillations impacting drug release dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Systems Biology
- Mathematical Biology
Background:
- Quorum sensing (QS) systems regulate bacterial behavior and are explored for cancer therapy drug delivery.
- Key QS components include TetR, CI, LacI, AiiA, and AI.
- Existing models often overlook AiiA enzyme and protein synthesis time delays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of AiiA and time delays on the dynamical behavior of QS systems.
- To develop a novel mathematical model for analyzing QS system dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of a new mathematical model.
- Numerical simulations to explore system behavior.
- Investigation of the role of time delay and AiiA concentration.
Main Results:
- Time delay is identified as a critical factor inducing QS system oscillations.
- A specific time delay threshold was determined, above which oscillations occur.
- The amplitude and period of QS oscillations are dependent on the time delay length.
- The threshold for oscillation is sensitive to the concentration of AiiA.
Conclusions:
- Time delays significantly influence QS system dynamics, leading to oscillations.
- Understanding these dynamics offers insights into bacterial-based drug delivery for cancer treatment.
- The model provides a framework for further research into QS-mediated therapies.
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