Computer based modelling of the cell cycle as a cell signaling network.

The main aim of this research project is to develop computer-based modelling of the cell cycle as a cell signaling network. This is done as to obtain analytical results based on computer modelling as opposed to the traditional method by experimental lab works. It is also done as to prove that computer-based modelling could give similar results as proposed by the literature review data. The computer-based modelling is based upon the mathematical models of two types of cell cycles; which are the Goldbeter's minimal cascade model of the mitotic (mitosis) oscillations in fission yeast and Igor Deineko's mitogen dependent G1/S transition in mammalian cell cycle. These two modelling were successfully developed via Simulink® simulation software, a toolbox within MATLAB®. Sensitivities analyses were also done on two main parameters of the fission yeast mitotic cell cycle, which were the constant rate of cyclin synthesis, vi and the maximum rate of cyclin degradation by protease, vd. It was determined that by maintaining one of these parameters and varying the values of the other parameter, it affected the mitotic oscillations for the fission yeast cell cycle. For the sensitivities analyses done, the vi parameter was determined to have a larger effect on the fission yeast mitotic oscillations; as it was the regulator of the mitotic cell cycle (made the progression in the mitotic cell cycle possible). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]