A conceptual framework for modeling a latching mechanism for cell cycle regulation

TL;DR

This paper presents a conceptual model using coupled van der Pol oscillators to simulate cell cycle regulation, highlighting how bifurcations can switch between normal cycling and endocycles.

Contribution

It introduces a novel oscillator-based framework that captures the dynamics of cell cycle regulation and transitions between different states.

Findings

Oscillators can be biased to a stable latched state.

Inhibitory coupling induces normal cell cycle oscillations.

Homoclinic bifurcation explains transition to endocycles.

Abstract

Two identical van der Pol oscillators with mutual inhibition are considered as a conceptual framework for modeling a latching mechanism for cell cycle regulation. In particular, the oscillators are biased to a latched state in which there is a globally attracting steady-state equilibrium without coupling. The inhibitory coupling induces stable alternating large-amplitude oscillations that model the normal cell cycle. A homoclinic bifurcation within the model is found to be responsible for the transition from normal cell cycling to endocycles in which only one of the two oscillators undergoes large-amplitude oscillations.