Feedback control of gene expression variability in the Caenorhabditis elegans Wnt pathway.
Cell
; 155(4): 869-80, 2013 Nov 07.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-24209624
ABSTRACT
Variability in gene expression contributes to phenotypic heterogeneity even in isogenic populations. Here, we used the stereotyped, Wnt signaling-dependent development of the Caenorhabditis elegans Q neuroblast to probe endogenous mechanisms that control gene expression variability. We found that the key Hox gene that orients Q neuroblast migration exhibits increased gene expression variability in mutants in which Wnt pathway activity has been perturbed. Distinct features of the gene expression distributions prompted us on a systematic search for regulatory interactions, revealing a network of interlocked positive and negative feedback loops. Interestingly, positive feedback appeared to cooperate with negative feedback to reduce variability while keeping the Hox gene expression at elevated levels. A minimal model correctly predicts the increased gene expression variability across mutants. Our results highlight the influence of gene network architecture on expression variability and implicate feedback regulation as an effective mechanism to ensure developmental robustness.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Variação Genética
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Caenorhabditis elegans
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Via de Sinalização Wnt
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2013
Tipo de documento:
Article