Modelling periodic oscillations during somitogenesis (Q932419)

Somites are formed in a sequential temporarily ordered process. Thus it is proposed that a periodic expression of the cyclic genes is essential in somite segmentation. In this paper the model of genetic network of J. Lewis is investigated. It consists of delay differential equations with two delays. Local stability of the interior equilibrium is studied. Conditions for oscillations are derived. It is shown that when the ratio of the two delays passes a threshold, Hopf bifurcation occurs. Numerical simulations are used to study the parameter effects on period and amplitude of oscillations.