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Stochastic synchronization of circadian rhythms

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Abstract

Models of circadian genetic oscillators involving interlinked feedback processes in molecular level genetic networks in Drosophila melanogaster and Neurospora crassa are studied, and mechanisms whereby synchronization can arise in an assembly of cells are examined. The individual subcellular circadian oscillatory processes are stochastic in nature due to the small numbers of molecules that are involved, and are subject to large fluctuations. The authors investigate and present the simulations of the stochastic dynamics of ensembles of clock-regulating proteins in different nuclei that communicate via ancillary small molecules, environmental parameters, additive cellular noise, or through diffusive processes. The results show that the emergence of collective oscillations is a macroscopic observable which has its origins in the microscopic coupling between distinct cellular oscillators.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India

    RajKumar Brojen Singh

  2. Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, School of Information Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India

    Vikram Singh

  3. Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, School of Information Technology and School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India

    Ram Ramaswamy

Authors
  1. RajKumar Brojen Singh
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  2. Vikram Singh
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  3. Ram Ramaswamy
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Correspondence to RajKumar Brojen Singh.

Additional information

This research is supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India under the Fast Track Scheme awarded to RKBS and by the University Grants Commission scholarship to VS.

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Singh, R.B., Singh, V. & Ramaswamy, R. Stochastic synchronization of circadian rhythms. J Syst Sci Complex 23, 978–988 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11424-010-0208-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11424-010-0208-x

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