The chapters in this book provide an introduction to a range of both well known and less familiar cellular oscillations and serve to illustrate the striking richness of cellular dynamics. The contributions focus particularly on elucidating the basic mechanisms that underlie these oscillations. The essentially quantitative nature of oscillations has long made them an attractive area of study for theoretical biologists, and the application of complementary modelling and experimental approaches can yield insights into oscillatory dynamics that go beyond those that can be obtained by either in isolation. The benefits of this synergy are reflected in the contributions appearing in this book.

The current resurgence in interest in interdisciplinary approaches to cell and molecular biology stems in part from the increasing availability of system-wide data on the state of the components of cellular regulatory networks. Alimiting factor in these approaches is often the lack of suitable ways of characterising a network state in terms of summary quantitative features. Without such features, it is typically difficult to gain new qualitative insight into the operating logic of all but the simplest networks. In this regard, oscillatory phenomena provide ideal exemplars for systems approaches, since oscillations have clear summary features that prove invaluable in combining mathematical models with experimental data.

"The chapters in this book provide an introduction to a range of both well known and less familiar cellular oscillations and serve to illustrate the striking richness of cellular dynamics. The contributions focus particularly on elucidating the basic mechanisms that underlie these oscillations. The essentially quantitative nature of oscillations has long made them an attractive area of study for theoretical biologists, and the application of complementary modelling and experimental approaches can yield insights into oscillatory dynamics that go beyond those that can be obtained by either in isolation. The benefits of this synergy are reflected in the contributions appearing in this book.
The current resurgence in interest in interdisciplinary approaches to cell and molecular biology stems in part from the increasing availability of system-wide data on the state of the components of cellular regulatory networks. Alimiting factor in these approaches is often the lack of suitable ways of characterising a network state in terms of summary quantitative features. Without such features, it is typically difficult to gain new qualitative insight into the operating logic of all but the simplest networks. In this regard, oscillatory phenomena provide ideal exemplars for systems approaches, since oscillations have clear summary features that prove invaluable in combining mathematical models with experimental data."

1. CALCIUM OSCILLATIONS; Ruediger Thul, Tomas C. Bellamy, H. Llewelyn Roderick, Martin D. Bootman, and Stephen Coombes

Abstract

Introduction

Modelling Ca2+ Dynamics

Mechanistic Models

Homogenous Cell Models

Threshold Models

Stochastic Modelling

Concluding Remarks

2. OSCILLATIONS BY THE p53-Mdm2 FEEDBACK LOOP; Galit Lahav

Abstract

Introduction

The p53-Mdm2 Negative Feedback Loop

Oscillations of p53 and Mdm2

The Mechanism of p53-Mdm2 Oscillations

Variability in the Response of Individual Cells

The Potential Function of p53 Oscillations

Conclusion and Key Questions in the Field

3. CAMP OSCILLATIONS DURING AGGREGATION OF DICTYOSTELIUM; William F. Loomis

Abstract

Introduction

Proposed cAMP Oscillatory Circuit

Periodic Motility

Discussion

4. MIN OSCILLATION IN BACTERIA; Joe Lutkenhaus

Abstract

Introduction

Z Ring

The Min System

The Oscillation

Biochemistry of Min Proteins

Models

Conclusions

5. DEVELOPMENT ON TIME; Isabel Palmeirim, Sofia Rodrigues, J. Kim Dale and Miguel Maroto

Abstract

Somitogenesis Is a Strict Time-Controlled Embryonic Process

Time Control during Somite Formation: The Segmentation Clock

The Genetic Complexity Underlying the Segmentation Clock

The Clock and Wavefront Model

Temporal vs Positional Information

Conclusions

6. OSCILLATORY EXPRESSION OF HES FAMILY TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS: INSIGHTS FROM MATHEMATICAL MODELLING; Hiroshi Momiji and Nicholas A.M. Monk

Abstract

Delay-Driven Oscillations in Cellular Signaling Systems

Hes1 as a Cellular Oscillator

Mathematical Modelling of the Hes1 Oscillator

Properties of Delay-Driven Oscillations

Extended Models of Hes1 Regulation

Spatio-Temporal Coordination of Oscillatory Dynamics

Discussion

7. REVERSE ENGINEERING MODELS OF CELL CYCLE REGULATION; Attila Csiksz-Nagy, Bla Novk and John JTyson

Abstract

Bottom-Up Modeling and Reverse Engineering

Physiology of the Cell Cycle

Three Cell Cycle States and Three Cell Cycle Transitions

Cell Cycle Transitions and Bifurcation Points

Reverse Engineering the Molecular Regulatory Network

The Complete Bifurcation Diagram

Cell Cycles and Limit Cycles

Conclusion

8. MITOCHONDRIAL OSCILLATIONS IN PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY; Miguel A. Aon, Sonia Cortassa and Brian ORourke

Abstract

Introduction

The Mitochondrial Oscillator of Heart Cells: The Pathophysiological Domain

The Theoretical Approach

The Mitochondrial Oscillator in the Physiological Domain

Spatial Aspects: ROS and Mitochondrial Criticality

From Mitochondrial Dynamics to Whole Heart Arrhythmias

Conclusions

9. RESPIRATORY OSCILLATIONS IN YEASTS; David Lloyd

Abstract

Introduction

Minute-Long Oscillations in S. cerevisiae

Ultradian (t 30-50min) Oscillations in Synchronous Cultures of Yeasts

Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Candida utilis

Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Self Synchronized Continuous Culture

Mitochondrial Respiratory Dynamics in Vivo During Growth

Oxidative Stress and Signalling by ROS

Circadian Oscillations in Yeasts

Other Oscillations

Functions of Oscillations

10. STOCHASTIC PHASE OSCILLATOR MODELS FOR CIRCADIAN CLOCKS; Jacques Rougemont and Felix Naef

Background

Mathematics of Phase Models

Theory vs. Data

Conclusion