Ultrasensitivity and noise amplification in a model of V. harveyi quorum sensing
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Published version
Author(s)
Bressloff, Paul C
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We analyze ultrasensitivity in a model of Vibrio harveyi quorum sensing. We consider a feedforward model consisting of two biochemical networks per cell. The first represents the interchange of a signaling molecule (autoinducer) between the cell cytoplasm and an extracellular domain and the binding of intracellular autoinducer to cognate receptors. The unbound and bound receptors within each cell act as kinases and phosphotases, respectively, which then drive a second biochemical network consisting of a phosphorylation-dephosphorylation cycle. We ignore subsequent signaling pathways associated with gene regulation and the possible modification in the production rate of an autoinducer (positive feedback). We show how the resulting quorum sensing system exhibits ultrasensitivity with respect to changes in cell density. We also demonstrate how quorum sensing can protect against the noise amplification of fast environmental fluctuations in comparison to a single isolated cell.
Date Issued
2016-06
Date Acceptance
2016-06-01
Citation
Physical Review E, 2016, 93 (6)
ISSN
2470-0045
Publisher
American Physical Society (APS)
Journal / Book Title
Physical Review E
Volume
93
Issue
6
Copyright Statement
©2016 American Physical Society
Identifier
http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/physreve.93.062418
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
062418
Date Publish Online
2016-06-28