Mathematical models incorporating a multi-stage cell cycle replicate normally-hidden inherent synchronization in cell proliferation. Issue 157 (21st August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vittadello, Sean T.; McCue, Scott W.; Gunasingh, Gency; Haass, Nikolas K.; Simpson, Matthew J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Royal Society interface. Volume 16:Issue 157(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-08-21
• Subjects: cell proliferation -- synchronization -- reproducibility -- cell cycle -- fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator -- mathematical model; Physical sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Interdisciplinary research -- Periodicals; 570.5
• DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2019.0382
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1742-5689

Abstract

Abstract : We present a suite of experimental data showing that cell proliferation assays, prepared using standard methods thought to produce asynchronous cell populations, persistently exhibit inherent synchronization. Our experiments use fluorescent cell cycle indicators to reveal the normally hidden cell synchronization, by highlighting oscillatory subpopulations within the total cell population. These oscillatory subpopulations would never be observed without these cell cycle indicators. On the other hand, our experimental data show that the total cell population appears to grow exponentially, as in an asynchronous population. We reconcile these seemingly inconsistent observations by employing a multi-stage mathematical model of cell proliferation that can replicate the oscillatory subpopulations. Our study has important implications for understanding and improving experimental reproducibility. In particular, inherent synchronization may affect the experimental reproducibility of studies aiming to investigate cell cycle-dependent mechanisms, including changes in migration and drug response.