Funneled landscape leads to robustness of cell networks: Yeast cell cycle
2006

Robustness of Yeast Cell Cycle Networks

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Wang Jin, Huang Bo, Xia Xuefeng, Sun Zhirong

Primary Institution: State University of New York at Stony Brook

Hypothesis

The energy landscape of the yeast cell-cycle network is funneled towards the global minimum, explaining its robustness against perturbations.

Conclusion

The study shows that the funneled landscape of the yeast cell cycle is robust against perturbations from kinetic rates and environmental disturbances.

Supporting Evidence

  • The energy landscape of the yeast cell-cycle network is funneled towards the G0/G1 phase.
  • The funneled landscape provides a physical explanation for the robustness of cellular networks.
  • The robustness ratio (RR) quantifies the stability of the network against perturbations.

Takeaway

This study found that the way yeast cells manage their growth is like a slide that leads them smoothly to the right spot, making them strong against bumps along the way.

Methodology

The study used mathematical modeling to explore the potential energy landscape of the yeast cell-cycle network.

Limitations

The model may not account for all variables in larger cellular networks, making it difficult to generalize findings.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pcbi.0020147

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