Mathematical modelling of quorum sensing in bacteria

• DOI: 10.1093/imammb18.3.263
• Publication Date: 2004-11-11T01:52:48Z
• Authors: J. P. Ward
• Keywords: numerical solution; 0303 health sciences; Bacteria; quorum sensing; Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted; steady-state analysis; 612; Models, Biological; asymptotic analysis; Luminescent Proteins; 03 medical and health sciences; Bacterial Proteins; experimental validation; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; mathematical modelling; bacteria; Vibrio

The regulation of density‐dependent behaviour by means quorum sensing is widespread in bacteria, the relevant phenomena including bioluminescence and population expansion swarming, as well virulence. process regulated production monitoring certain molecules (referred to QSMs); on reaching an apparent threshold concentration QSMs (reflecting high bacterial density) colony concert ‘switches on’ trait. In this paper a mathematical model which describes growth mixed system proposed studied. We view bacteria consisting down‐regulated up‐regulated sub‐populations, with being produced at much faster rate cells. Using curve fitting techniques for parameter estimation, solutions resulting ordinary differential equations are shown agree experimental data. Asymptotic analysis biologically limit used investigate timescales up‐regulation exponentially growing revealing existence bifurcation between limited near‐total up‐regulation. For fixed cells steady‐state reveals that general one physical solution exists linearly stable; we believe be global attractor. A also discussed limit.