Coupled map network representation of metabolic pathways

Abstract

We show how a metabolic pathway can be represented in terms of a globally coupled map network; each individual node in the network is a modified chaotic map that models the essential aspects of the catalytic cycle of a simple enzyme such as substrate binding, formation of ES complex, product release and enzyme recovery. The map parameters are defined in terms of well-known kinetic quantities such as the maximum velocity of the enzyme and the Michaelis constant; in large enough arrays the resulting coupled map network reproduces the dynamics of Michaelis-Menten and allosteric enzymes, as well of those of competitive and non-competitive inhibition. In this way a set of maps represents a specific reaction in a metabolic pathway; coupling between maps takes place through the binding and release of intermediate products. A computer code based on this model is used to simulate the glycolytic pathway of E. histolytica