A model of the G1 phase of the cell cycle incorporating cyclin E/cdk2 complex and retinoblastoma protein.

A mathematical model of cyclin E, cdk2 and retinoblastoma protein control of the G1 phase of the human cell cycle is proposed. The model includes retinoblastoma (Rb) protein phosphorylation by a cyclin E/cdk2 complex and its subsequent dephosphorylation at the end of the cell cycle. The numerical solutions to this model demonstrates the cyclic behavior of the cyclin E/cdk2 complex, with and without Rb function, cell cycle. This model suggests an inhibition of cyclin E/cdk2 complex formation (or its activation) by hypophosphorylated retinoblastoma protein. The experimental results of cell cycle arrest upon injection of transforming growth factor-beta, alpha-interferon or D-erythro-sphingosine during G1 phase are reproduced. Cell cycle behavior predicted by this model for increasing the concentration of hypophosphorylated retinoblastoma protein during the G1 phase is discussed. Additional results are obtained by numerical simulation.