Functions of Bifans in Context of Multiple Regulatory Motifs in Signaling Network. Biophys J. 94, 2566-2579 (2008) PMID: 18178648
Functions of Bifans in Context of Multiple Regulatory Motifs in Signaling Networks
Azi Lipshtat, , Sudarshan P. Purushothaman, Ravi Iyengar and Avi Ma’ayan http://www.cell.com/biophysj/abstract/S0006-3495(08)70511-3
Biophys J. 94, 2566-2579 (2008) PMID: 18178648
Summary adapted from Chao (CC):
The authors constructed ordinary differential equations to model the quantitative dynamical behavior in an example bifan motif, in which two kinases p38alpha and JNK1 cross-regulate two transcription factors ATF2 and Elk-1. The simulation indicates that the bifan motif provide temporal regulation of signal propagation and can act as signal sorters, filters, and synchronizers. Bifan motifs with OR gate configurations mediate rapid responses, whereas the one with AND gate configurations introduces delays and allows prolongation of signal outputs. The authors also conducted several sets of simulations, using different initial conditions or considering bifan in a more complex network, and found that synchronization is a robust property of bifan motifs. This study makes a thorough investigation into the dynamical characteristics of the bifan motif based on decent mathematical models; however, there is no experimental result to further support those simulation results.