Sampling Rare Switching Events in Biochemical Networks

Rosalind J. Allen, Patrick B. Warren, and Pieter Rein ten Wolde
Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 018104 – Published 6 January 2005

Abstract

Bistable biochemical switches are widely found in gene regulatory networks and signal transduction pathways. Their switching dynamics are difficult to study, however, because switching events are rare, and the systems are out of equilibrium. We present a simulation method for predicting the rate and mechanism of the flipping of these switches. We apply it to a genetic switch and find that it is highly efficient. The path ensembles for the forward and reverse processes do not coincide. The method is widely applicable to rare events and nonequilibrium processes.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 26 September 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.94.018104

©2005 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Rosalind J. Allen1, Patrick B. Warren2,1, and Pieter Rein ten Wolde1,*

  • 1FOM Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics, Kruislaan 407, 1098 SJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  • 2Unilever R&D Port Sunlight, Bebington, Wirral CH63 3JW, United Kingdom

  • *Electronic address: tenwolde@amolf.nl

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 94, Iss. 1 — 14 January 2005

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×