A 2-dimensional reduced oscillator model with rational nonlinearities for p53 dynamics

p53 tumour suppressor network plays the key role in DNA damage response of the cell. We present a comprehensive 2-dimensional oscillator model for p53 network dynamics. The model is reduced from the known 17-dimensional two-phase model of p53 network, which shows temporary oscillatory behaviour under DNA damage type of Double Strand Breaks. The introduced oscillator model shows the same qualitative dynamics of two-phase model of p53 network, such as bistability and oscillations, when the parameters are adjusted accordingly. With the help of the identified oscillator in p53 network, we introduce a new oscillator perspective: p53 network has an oscillator in the centre, which other systems in the cell manipulate this oscillator to contribute to cell fate. The introduction of such low dimensional oscillator model will make it possible to study p53 network and the effects of other biological systems in the context of oscillations.