Modeling bistable cell-fate choices in theDrosophilaeye: qualitative and quantitative perspectives

2010/06/22 by Thomas G.W. Graham, S. M. Ali Tabei, Aaron R. Dinner +1 · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Neuroscience · #Gene Regulatory Network Analysis #Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques #Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research

paper · doi:10.1242/dev.044826

openalex publication_date 2010/06/22 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31

Abstract

A major goal of developmental biology is to understand the molecular mechanisms whereby genetic signaling networks establish and maintain distinct cell types within multicellular organisms. Here, we review cell-fate decisions in the developing eye of Drosophila melanogaster and the experimental results that have revealed the topology of the underlying signaling circuitries. We then propose that switch-like network motifs based on positive feedback play a central role in cell-fate choice, and discuss how mathematical modeling can be used to understand and predict the bistable or multistable behavior of such networks.

Citations

• The chemical basis of morphogenesis
• Robust, bistable patterning of the dorsal surface of the Drosophila embryo
• Spatial bistability of Dpp–receptor interactions during Drosophila dorsal–ventral patterning
• Construction of a genetic toggle switch in Escherichia coli
• Spatial Bistability Generates hunchback Expression Sharpness in the Drosophila Embryo
• General Conclusions: Teleonomic Mechanisms in Cellular Metabolism, Growth, and Differentiation
• A bistable Rb–E2F switch underlies the restriction point

Cited by

• Bistability [wikipedia]