Prediction stability in a data-based, mechanistic model of σF regulation during sporulation in Bacillus subtilis.
Mathematical modeling of biological networks can help to integrate a large body of information into a consistent framework, which can then be used to arrive at novel mechanistic insight and predictions. We have previously developed a detailed, mechanistic model for the regulation of σ(F) during sporulation in Bacillus subtilis. The model was based on a wide range of quantitative data, and once fitted to the data, the model made predictions that could be confirmed in experiments. However, the analysis was based on a single optimal parameter set. We wondered whether the predictions of the model would be stable for all optimal parameter sets. To that end we conducted a global parameter screen within the physiological parameter ranges. The screening approach allowed us to identify sensitive and sloppy parameters, and highlighted further required datasets during the optimization. Eventually, all parameter sets that reproduced all available data predicted the physiological situation correctly.
Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich (ETHZ) and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
Georgios
G
Fengos
Dagmar
D
Iber
D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000502:physiology*; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D007700:Kinetics; D008954:Models, Biological; D012808:Sigma Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D013171:Spores, Bacterial / Q000378:metabolism
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D012808:Sigma Factor