Consider the Type 1 Incoherent feedback loop (I1-FFL) shown in the figure below. In class, we saw that this motif can generate pulses. You will now show that given certain parameter assumptions, this motif has an additional function.
a. Assume that the transcription rate of Y is a linear function of the concentration of X, both X and Y, G(X,Y). Both Y and Z also undergo protein degradation with degradation rates δY and δZ respectively. Write first-order differential equations describing the transcription rates of Y and Z. (4 pts)
b. In the I1-FFL, X activates Z and Y represses Z. In the case that either X or Y binds to Z, but not both, this can be modeled by the following G(X,Y):
G(X,Y) = X/K + (X/K)^2
Under this assumption, and given G(X,Y) above, show that the rate of transcription of Z is a function of the ratio of X to Y. (3 pts)
c. Let us define the following:
y = X/a
b = K/K'
Z = b1/b2 = f
where X is the basal level of X. Use these variables, and your answer for part b, to rewrite your first-order differential equations from part a in terms of y, z, r (where r = y/2), and f. (8 pts) (Hint: the equation for z should have the form r dz/dt = F/y - Z) Show your work!
Based on your answer for part c, if X increases from the basal level Xo to some final level Xt, does the final transcription rate of Z depend on the absolute value of X? Elaborate. (3 pts)