Disorder, oscillatory dynamics and state switching: the role of c-Myc

Rangarajan, Nivedita and Fox, Zach and Singh, Abhyudai and Kulkarni, Prakash and Rangarajan, Govindan (2015) Disorder, oscillatory dynamics and state switching: the role of c-Myc. In: JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL BIOLOGY, 386 . pp. 105-114.

PDF Jou_The_Bio_386_105_2015.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (3MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

In this paper, using the intrinsically disordered oncoprotein Myc as an example, we present a mathematical model to help explain how protein oscillatory dynamics can influence state switching. Earlier studies have demonstrated that, while Myc overexpression can facilitate state switching and transform a normal cell into a cancer phenotype, its downregulation can reverse state-switching. A fundamental aspect of the model is that a Myc threshold determines cell fate in cells expressing p53. We demonstrate that a non-cooperative positive feedback loop coupled with Myc sequestration at multiple binding sites can generate bistable Myc levels. Normal quiescent cells with Myc levels below the threshold can respond to mitogenic signals to activate the cyclin/cdk oscillator for limited cell divisions but the p53/Mdm2 oscillator remains nonfunctional. In response to stress, the p53/Mdm2 oscillator is activated in pulses that are critical to DNA repair. But if stress causes Myc levels to cross the threshold, Myc inactivates the p53/Mdm2 oscillator, abrogates p53 pulses, and pushes the cyclin/cdk oscillator into overdrive sustaining unchecked proliferation seen in cancer. However, if Myc is downregulated, the cyclin/cdk oscillator is inactivated and the p53/Mdm2 oscillator is reset and the cancer phenotype is reversed. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL BIOLOGY
Publisher:	ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
Additional Information:	Copy right for this article belongs to the ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD, 24-28 OVAL RD, LONDON NW1 7DX, ENGLAND
Keywords:	Myc; State-switching; Cancer; Intrinsically disordered proteins; Oscillators
Department/Centre:	Division of Biological Sciences > Centre for Neuroscience Division of Physical & Mathematical Sciences > Mathematics
Date Deposited:	02 Jan 2016 05:31
Last Modified:	02 Jan 2016 05:31
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/52859

Actions (login required)

View Item