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Emergent dynamics of cellular decision making in multi-node mutually repressive regulatory networks

BV, H.; Billakurthi, H. S.; Adigwe, S.; Hari, K.; Levine, H.; Gedeon, T.; Jolly, M. K.

2025-03-11 systems biology
10.1101/2025.03.06.641782 bioRxiv
Show abstract

Stem cell differentiation during development is governed by the dynamics of the underlying gene regulatory networks (GRNs). Mutually inhibiting nodes/collection of nodes encompass the GRNs that govern differentiation to two distinct fates. But the properties of GRNs that can allow differentiation into n-terminal phenotypes are not understood. In this study, we examine toggle-n networks, encompassing mutual inhibitions among multiple transcription factors, to derive generalized conclusions regarding the dynamics underlying differentiation into n-terminal phenotypes. We show that in steady-state distributions of gene expression, multiple cell state-specific transcription factors are co-expressed, indicating an obligatory multi-step process of multi-lineage differentiation. Furthermore, we show that cytokine signaling and specific asymmetry of regulatory links can lead to directed differentiation towards a particular cell state. Our findings provide valuable insights into the mechanistic aspects of directed differentiation of stem cells.

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