Network architecture determines stability

The genomics revolution and modern molecular techniques continue to provide detailed information about many signaling pathways, but a new mathematical model developed by Maximino Aldana and Philippe Cluzel (University of Chicago, Chicago, IL) provides a unique look at the overall architecture of these pathways.

The model is satisfying, says Aldana, because, although it is relatively simple, it accurately reflects a cell's ability to both remain stable in fluctuating environments and to respond and differentiate when the environment changes sufficiently. “It tells you that very simple dynamics can give you what we observe in living organisms, though most people think they are very complex,” says Aldana.

The standard model for signaling networks in cells was published over 30 years ago (Kauffman 1969), but that model fails to predict the overall stability that is characteristic of many living...