An experimentalist's guide to computational modelling of the Min system.
Spatio-temporal oscillations of the Min proteins are essential for selecting the cell division site in Escherichia coli. These oscillations are a key example of a biological phenomenon that can only be understood on a systems level rather than on the level of its individual components. Here, we review the key concepts that mathematical modelling has added to our understanding of the Min system. While several different mechanisms have been proposed, in all cases the oscillations emerge from a dynamic instability of a uniform protein distribution. To generate this instability, however, the various mechanisms rely on different features of Min protein interactions and transport. We critically evaluate these mechanisms in light of recent experimental evidence. We also review the effects of fluctuations caused by low cellular concentration of Min proteins, and describe how stochastic effects may potentially influence Min protein dynamics.
Kruse
Karsten
K
Max-Planck-Institut für Physik komplexer Systeme, Nöthnitzer Str. 38, D-01187 Dresden, Germany.
Howard
Martin
M
Margolin
William
W
D000251:Adenosine Triphosphatases / Q000378:metabolism; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D002455:Cell Division; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000502:physiology*; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins; C080466:MinC protein, Bacteria; C093548:MinE protein, E coli; D000251:Adenosine Triphosphatases; C072069:MinD protein, E coli