Biology – Quantitative Biology – Molecular Networks
Scientific paper
2007-06-26
Biology
Quantitative Biology
Molecular Networks
29 pages, 6 figures
Scientific paper
Cells store information in DNA and in stable programs of gene expression, which thereby implement forms of long-term cellular memory. Cells must also possess short-term forms of information storage, implemented post-translationally, to transduce and interpret external signals. CaMKII, for instance, is thought to implement a one-bit (bistable) short-term memory required for learning at post-synaptic densities. Here we show by mathematical analysis that multisite protein phosphorylation, which is ubiquitous in all eukaryotic signalling pathways, exhibits multistability for which the maximal number of steady states increases with the number of sites. If there are n sites, the maximal information storage capacity is at least log_2 (n+2)/2 bits when n is even and log_2 (n+1)/2 bits when n is odd. Furthermore, when substrate is in excess, enzyme saturation together with an alternating low/high pattern in the site-specific relative catalytic efficiencies, enriches for multistability. That is, within physiologically plausible ranges for parameters, multistability becomes more likely than monostability. We discuss the experimental challenges in pursuing these predictions and in determining the biological role of short-term information storage.
Gunawardena Jeremy
Thomson Matthew
No associations
LandOfFree
Multi-bit information storage by multisite phosphorylation does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Multi-bit information storage by multisite phosphorylation, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Multi-bit information storage by multisite phosphorylation will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-505437