Large Scale-Free Network Organization is Likely Key for Biofilm Phase Transition

Abstract

Non-linear Kuramoto model has been used to study synchronized or sync behavior in numerous fields, however, its application in biology is scare. Here, I introduce the basic model and provide examples where large scale small-world or scale-free networks are crucial for spontaneous sync even for low coupling strength. This information was next checked for relevance in living systems where it is now well-known that biological networks are scale-free. Our recent transcriptome-wide data analysis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae biofilm showed that low to middle expressed genes are key for scale invariance in biology. Together, the current data indicate that biological network connectivity structure with low coupling strength, or expression levels, is sufficient for sync behavior. For biofilm regulation, it may, therefore, be necessary to investigate large scale low expression genes rather than small scale high expression genes.