Identifying robust hysteresis in networks

PLoS Comput Biol. 2018 Apr 23;14(4):e1006121. doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006121. eCollection 2018 Apr.

Abstract

We present a new modeling and computational tool that computes rigorous summaries of network dynamics over large sets of parameter values. These summaries, organized in a database, can be searched for observed dynamics, e.g., bistability and hysteresis, to discover parameter regimes over which they are supported. We illustrate our approach on several networks underlying the restriction point of the cell cycle in humans and yeast. We rank networks by how robustly they support hysteresis, which is the observed phenotype. We find that the best 6-node human network and the yeast network share similar topology and robustness of hysteresis, in spite of having no homology between the corresponding nodes of the network. Our approach provides a new tool linking network structure and dynamics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Cycle Checkpoints / genetics
  • Computational Biology
  • Computer Simulation
  • Gene Regulatory Networks*
  • Humans
  • Models, Genetic*
  • Nonlinear Dynamics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / cytology
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics