Ultrasensitivity and noise propagation in a synthetic transcriptional cascade.

ABSTRACT: The precise nature of information flow through a biological network, which is governed by factors such as response sensitivities and noise propagation, greatly affects the operation of biological systems. Quantitative analysis of these properties is often difficult in naturally occurring systems but can be greatly facilitated by studying simple synthetic networks. Here, we report the construction of synthetic transcriptional cascades comprising one, two, and three repression stages. These model systems enable us to analyze sensitivity and noise propagation as a function of network complexity. We demonstrate experimentally steady-state switching behavior that becomes sharper with longer cascades. The regulatory mechanisms that confer this ultrasensitive response both attenuate and amplify p

SUBMITTER: Hooshangi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC552778 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature