Quantifying the dynamics of coupled networks of switches and oscillators

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new modeling framework for networks combining oscillators and switches, capturing complex dynamics and providing insights into biological systems like the yeast cell cycle and cancer.

Contribution

A novel model that integrates oscillators and switches, preserving their dynamics and enabling analysis of complex biological networks with diverse components.

Findings

Recapitulates yeast cell cycle dynamics

Shows feedback induces cancer-like proliferative behavior

Captures synchronized responses in biochemical systems

Abstract

Complex network dynamics have been analyzed with models of systems of coupled switches or systems of coupled oscillators. However, many complex systems are composed of components with diverse dynamics whose interactions drive the system's evolution. We, therefore, introduce a new modeling framework that describes the dynamics of networks composed of both oscillators and switches. Both oscillator synchronization and switch stability are preserved in these heterogeneous, coupled networks. Furthermore, this model recapitulates the qualitative dynamics for the yeast cell cycle consistent with the hypothesized dynamics resulting from decomposition of the regulatory network into dynamic motifs. Introducing feedback into the cell-cycle network induces qualitative dynamics analogous to limitless replicative potential that is a hallmark of cancer. As a result, the proposed model of switch and oscillator coupling provides the ability to incorporate mechanisms that underlie the synchronized stimulus response ubiquitous in biochemical systems.