Linear population allocation by bistable switches in response to transient stimulation.

ABSTRACT: Many cellular decision processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and phenotypic switching, are controlled by bistable signaling networks. In response to transient or intermediate input signals, these networks allocate a population fraction to each of two distinct states (e.g. OFF and ON). While extensive studies have been carried out to analyze various bistable networks, they are primarily focused on responses of bistable networks to sustained input signals. In this work, we investigate the response characteristics of bistable networks to transient signals, using both theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. We find that bistable systems exhibit a common property: for input signals with short durations, the fraction of switching cells increases linearly with the signal dur

SUBMITTER: Srimani JK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4139379 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature