A mathematical model of a P53 oscillation network triggered by DNA damage

Taking the interaction between a DNA damage repair module, an ATM module, and a P53--MDM2 oscillation module into account, this paper presents a mathematical model of a P53 oscillation network triggered by a DNA damage signal in individual cells. The effects of the DNA damage signal and the delay time of P53-induced MDM2 expression on the behaviours of the P53 oscillation network are studied. In the oscillatory state of the P53--MDM2 oscillator, it is found that the pulse number of P53--P oscillation increases with the increase of the initial DNA damage signal, whereas the amplitude and the period of P53--P oscillation are fixed for different initial DNA damage signals, and the period numbers of P53--P oscillations decrease with the increase of time delay of MDM2 expression induced by P53. These theoretical predictions are consistent with previous experimental results. The combined negative feedback of P53--MDM2 with the time delay of P53-induced MDM2 expression causes oscillation behaviour in the P53 network.