A minimal model of signaling network elucidates cell-to-cell stochastic variability in apoptosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Signaling networks are designed to sense an environmental stimulus and adapt to it. We propose and study a minimal model of signaling network that can sense and respond to external stimuli of varying strength in an adaptive manner. The structure of this minimal network is derived based on some simple assumptions on its differential response to external stimuli.

Methodology

We employ stochastic differential equations and probability distributions obtained from stochastic simulations to characterize differential signaling response in our minimal network model. Gillespie's stochastic simulation algorithm (SSA) is used in this study.

Conclusions/significance

We show that the proposed minimal signaling network displays two distinct types of response as the stren

SUBMITTER: Raychaudhuri S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2920308 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature