Gene Networks Capable of Pattern Formation: From Induction to Reaction–Diffusion
✍ Scribed by ISAAC SALAZAR-CIUDAD; JORDI GARCIA-FERNÁNDEZ; RICARD V SOLÉ
- Publisher
- Elsevier Science
- Year
- 2000
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 348 KB
- Volume
- 205
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0022-5193
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✦ Synopsis
One of the main aims of developmental biology is to understand how a single and apparently homogeneous egg cell achieves the intricate complexity of the adult. Here we present two models to explain the generation of developmental patterns through interactions at the gene level. One model considers direct-contact induction between cells while the other takes into account di!usion of hormones. We show that sets of cells involving identical gene networks and communicating through hormones spontaneously exhibit ordered patterns. We have characterized these patterns and the speci"c networks responsible for them. The models allow to (i) compare di!usion and direct-contact induction processes as mechanisms of pattern generation; (ii) identify the possible range of behaviour of real gene networks and (iii) suggest causal mechanisms to generate known patterns. The evolutionary implications are discussed.