Summary
International Symposium on Nonlinear Theory and its Applications
2010
Session Number:P1L-A
Session:
Number:P1L-A1
Nonlinear Dynamics of Biological Rhythms
Albert Goldbeter,
pp.1-1
Publication Date:2010/9/5
Online ISSN:2188-5079
Summary:
Oscillations arise in genetic and metabolic networks as a result of various modes of cellular regulation. In view of the large number of variables involved and of the complexity of feedback processes that generate oscillations, mathematical models and numerical simulations are needed to fully grasp the nonlinear dynamics of biological rhythms. Models are also necessary to comprehend the transition from simple to complex oscillatory behaviour. To illustrate how mathematical modeling contributes to clarify the dynamical bases of biological oscillations, the presentation will focus on circadian rhythms. These autonomous rhythms, with have a period close to 24h, are conspicuous by their ubiquity and by the key role they play in allowing organisms to adapt to their periodically changing environment. Mathematical models closely related to experimental observations will be considered for circadian clocks. Models of increasing complexity predict the occurrence of sustained circadian oscillations corresponding to the evolution toward a limit cycle. Chaos can occur in the model either in autonomous conditions, or as a result of periodic forcing by light-dark cycles. Stochastic simulations show how circadian oscillations are affected by molecular noise. Extending the model to circadian rhythms in mammals permits an investigation of the dynamical bases of physiological disorders of the sleep-wake cycle in humans. Finally, the analysis of a model for the mammalian cell cycle shows how the latter can be entrained by the circadian clock.