A General Model for Binary Cell Fate Decision Gene Circuits with Degeneracy: Indeterminacy and Switch Behavior in the Absence of Cooperativity
2011
Model for Cell Fate Decisions in Stem Cells
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Andrecut Mircea, Halley Julianne D., Winkler David A., Huang Sui
Primary Institution: Institute for Biocomplexity and Informatics, University of Calgary
Hypothesis
Is cooperativity necessary for multistability in gene regulatory circuits that determine cell fate?
Conclusion
The model suggests that multistability can occur without cooperativity in gene regulatory circuits.
Supporting Evidence
- The model demonstrates that non-linearity can arise without explicit interactions between transcription factors.
- Two distinct models yield the same dynamical system form, supporting the findings.
- A novel bifurcation type is described that explains the metastable state of indeterminacy in stem cells.
Takeaway
This study shows that stem cells can decide their fate without needing cooperative interactions between genes.
Methodology
The study uses mathematical modeling to analyze gene regulatory circuits in stem cells.
Limitations
The model does not account for all molecular interactions and complexities in gene regulation.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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