Modeling the Budding Yeast Cell Cycle

Budding Yeast Model

Conclusions:

Our knowledge of molecular regulatory systems has become so thorough and detailed that we can no longer understand their integrated behavior by intuitive reasoning alone. Mathematical modeling provides a rigorous and reliable tool for analyzing complex control networks. The budding yeast cell cycle is a challenging test case for the utility of this approach:

  • The consensus picture can be described in precise mathematical terms.
  • With proper choice of parameters, the model accounts for many details of wild type and 120 out of 131 mutant cells studied in budding yeast.
  • 11 inconsistencies between model and experiments indicates aspects of the mechanism that require revision.
  • The model organizes information in a logical and comprehensible manner.
  • The model gives insight into why the control system behaves the way it does, and how its behavior depends on parameter values.
  • By predicting phenotypes of mutants, the model helps to design new experiments.
  • For downloading model equations and parameters, go to Get WINPP page.
  • For using the online simulator to test out the model, go to Simulate the model page.