Stochasticity and determinism in cell fate decisions.
Development
; 147(14)2020 07 15.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32669276
ABSTRACT
During development, cells need to make decisions about their fate in order to ensure that the correct numbers and types of cells are established at the correct time and place in the embryo. Such cell fate decisions are often classified as deterministic or stochastic. However, although these terms are clearly defined in a mathematical sense, they are sometimes used ambiguously in biological contexts. Here, we provide some suggestions on how to clarify the definitions and usage of the terms stochastic and deterministic in biological experiments. We discuss the frameworks within which such clear definitions make sense and highlight when certain ambiguity prevails. As an example, we examine how these terms are used in studies of neuronal cell fate decisions and point out areas in which definitions and interpretations have changed and matured over time. We hope that this Review will provide some clarification and inspire discussion on the use of terminology in relation to fate decisions.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Sistema Nervioso Central
/
Modelos Biológicos
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Development
Asunto de la revista:
BIOLOGIA
/
EMBRIOLOGIA
Año:
2020
Tipo del documento:
Article