Multistable decision switches for flexible control of epigenetic differentiation.

ABSTRACT: It is now recognized that molecular circuits with positive feedback can induce two different gene expression states (bistability) under the very same cellular conditions. Whether, and how, cells make use of the coexistence of a larger number of stable states (multistability) is however largely unknown. Here, we first examine how autoregulation, a common attribute of genetic master regulators, facilitates multistability in two-component circuits. A systematic exploration of these modules' parameter space reveals two classes of molecular switches, involving transitions in bistable (progression switches) or multistable (decision switches) regimes. We demonstrate the potential of decision switches for multifaceted stimulus processing, including strength, duration, and flexible discrimination.

SUBMITTER: Guantes R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2580821 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature