Review

Quantitative approach of Min protein researches and applications: Experiments, mathematical modeling and computer simulations

Waipot Ngamsaad^1,7, Jiraporn Yojina^1,2, Paisan Kanthang^3,7, Charin Modchang^1,7, Chartchai Krittanai⁴, Darapond Triampo^1,5,7, Narin Nuttawut^1,7 and Wannapong Triampo^1,6,7*

¹R & D Group of Biological and Environmental Physics, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand 10400.

²Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand 10400.

³Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand 10800.

⁴Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand 73170.

⁵Department of Chemistry, Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand 10400.

⁶Center of Excellence for Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand 10400.

⁷ThEP Center, CHE, 328 Si Ayutthaya Road, Bangkok, Thailand 10400.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: scwtr@mahidol.ac.th or wtriampo@gmail.com.

Tel: +662-441-9816 ext. 1131. Fax: +662-889-2337.

Accepted 21 December, 2009

   Abstract

Cell division in prokaryotes is a process (known as binary fission) where the parent cell divides into daughter cells. In this process, the dynamics of Min proteins is an important factor in the accurate positioning at the midcell in Escherichia coli. This site specificity is regulated by the oscillatory behavior of Min proteins. Numerous studies of Min protein dynamics have focused on dynamic spatial-temporal pattern formation, the movement mechanism and the biochemical basis function mostly using wet lab experiments, but the quantitative data remains limited. Thus in this research review, focus is on quantitative methodologies. Up-to-date information and findings regarding Min proteins, particularly MinD proteins obtained by using quantitative approaches such as experiments, modeling and simulations were provided. This review of quantitative techniques is expected to benefit not only those who want to conduct research in this area using more quantitative approaches, but also those who are interested in using qualitative data to support their findings.

Key words: Min protein, quantitative characterization, protein oscillation, Escherichia coli, spot tracking technique, modeling, simulation.