Ribosome population optimal control in protein expression

Expression of genes is one of the most essential biological processes underlying life. A fundamental part of this process is the translation of proteins, mediated by molecular machines known as ribosomes. Ribosomes contribute significantly to both cellular mass and energy consumption in the cell, which suggests that efficient management of ribosome population is crucial to metabolism and growth.

When the cell lacks specific nutrients, the active degradation and “recycling” of ribosomes can act as a source of nutrients, and the decrease in ribosomes also reduces energy consumption. On the other hand, fewer ribosomes are now available for production of proteins. What is not presently clear is the extent to which the recycling mechanism and the resulting control of ribosome population can be used as a strategy to optimize gene expression, in the presence of varying nutrient availability, over a long period of time. To address this, in our project we propose to develop and study a mathematical model of gene expression, and to mathematically derive and describe optimal strategies for regulating the ribosome population.

Faculty Supervisor:

Eric Foxall;Khanh Dao Duc

Student:

Partner:

CentraleSupélec

Discipline:

Mathematics

Sector:

Education

University:

The University of British Columbia - Okanagan

Program: