Document Type
Post-Print
Publication Date
4-7-2010
Abstract
A general branching process is proposed to model a population of cells of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae following loss of telomerase. Previously published experimental data indicate that a population of telomerase-deficient cells regain exponential growth after a period of slowing due to critical telomere shortening. The explanation for this phenomenon is that some cells engage telomerase-independent pathways to maintain telomeres that allow them to become “survivors.” Our model takes into account random variation in individual cell cycle times, telomere length, finite lifespan of mother cells, and survivorship. We identify and estimate crucial parameters such as the probability of an individual cell becoming a survivor, and compare our model predictions to experimental data.
Identifier
10.1016/j.jtbi.2009.12.004
Publisher
Elsevier
Repository Citation
Olofsson, P., & Bertuch, A.A. (2010). Modeling growth and telomere dynamics in saccharomyces cerevisiae. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 263(3), 353-359. doi: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2009.12.004
Publication Information
Journal of Theoretical Biology