Modelling spatio-temporal dynamics of circadian rythms in Neurospora crassa

We derive a new model of circadian oscillations in Neurospora crassa, which is suitable to analyze both temporal and spatial dynamics of proteins responsible for mechanism of rythms. The model is based on the non-linear interplay between proteins FRQ and WCC which are products of transcription of frequency and white collar genes forming a feedback loop comprised both positive and negative elements. The main component of oscillations mechanism is supposed to be time-delay in biochemical reactions of transcription. We show that the model accounts for various features observed in Neurospora’s experiments such as entrainment by light cycles, phase shift under light pulse, robustness to action of fluctuations and so on. Wave patterns excited during spatial development of the system are studied. It is shown that the wave of synchronization of biorythms arises under basal transcription factors.