The stochastic behavior of a molecular switching circuit with feedback
2007
Molecular Switching Circuit Behavior
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Krishnamurthy Supriya, Smith Eric, Krakauer David, Fontana Walter
Hypothesis
Can a molecular switching circuit exhibit bistable behavior under feedback conditions?
Conclusion
The number of substrate molecules is crucial for controlling bistability and memory in molecular switches.
Supporting Evidence
- Bistability occurs as either a first-order or second-order non-equilibrium phase transition.
- The circuit never leaves the bistable regime upon increasing the number of substrate molecules at constant kinase to phosphatase ratio.
- The relevance of memory depends on the degree of switch symmetry.
Takeaway
This study shows that proteins can switch between two states based on how many molecules are present, which helps them remember things.
Methodology
The study used a statistical physics approach to analyze a model circuit of multisite phosphorylation and dephosphorylation with feedback.
Limitations
The model may not capture all biological complexities and interactions present in real systems.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website