Team:Cambridge/Bioluminescence/Firefly Modelling

Introduction

We set out to build a mathematical model of our firefly system, featuring the activity of luciferase and luciferin regenerating enzyme.

We modelled the Luciferin cycle as described by Marques 2009 and others. We were assisted by data from S. Inouye (2010) on the catlysis of light emission by luciferase and information J.M Leitão et al. (2010) on the inhibition of the enzyme.

We used the Matlab Simbiology toolbox to model the cycle. A diagram of the model we developed can be found below:

Some parameters were taken from literature. However there was no clear data for others, such that we were only able to define some parameters in the light of experimental data.

Effect of LRE

While attempting to optimise our system we modelled the effect of Luciferin Regenerating Enzyme (LRE).

Our model suggested that the LRE would make light output increase faster, peak higher and decay more slowly. These were all qualities which suited us.

Validity of model

Luciferase alone

Figure 1 - Model of the light output as a function of time without the effect of the LRE.	Figure 2 - Light output as a function of time for P.Pyralis luciferase under pBad promoter. Arabinose concentration is 10mM and D-Luciferin concentration is 100µM

Luciferase and LRE

Figure 3 - Model of the light output as a function of time with the effect of the LRE.	'Figure 4 - Light output as a function of time for L. Cruciata luciferase with LRE under pBad promoter. Arabinose concentration is 100 µM and D-Luciferin concentration is 1µM