Cell Fate Regulatory Networks

Abstract

Cell fate decisions are controlled by intrinsically complex molecular regulatory networks, involving a wide variety of protein–protein and protein-DNA interactions. Due to this complexity, it is difficult to understand molecular regulation of cell fate at the ‘systems’ level. In this chapter we discuss mathematical modeling of cell fate regulatory networks, and explain some ways in which mathematical techniques may be used to elucidate the essential molecular mechanisms that underly cell fate determination. We consider both Boolean networks and ordinary differential equation (ODE) models. We give an illustrative worked example of an ODE model of a simple irreversible molecular switch due to an self-enhancing positive feedback loop and discuss how various commonly-occurring network ‘motifs’ can give rise to certain well-defined dynamics, including switches and oscillators. We conclude with some words on the role of stochasticity in cell fate regulatory networks.