Dataset Information

Model transcriptional networks with continuously varying expression levels.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:At a time when genomes are being sequenced by the hundreds, much attention has shifted from identifying genes and phenotypes to understanding the networks of interactions among genes. We developed a gene network developmental model expanding on previous models of transcription regulatory networks. In our model, each network is described by a matrix representing the interactions between transcription factors, and a vector of continuous values representing the transcription factor expression in an individual. RESULTS:In this work we used the gene network model to look at the impact of mating as well as insertions and deletions of genes in the evolution of complexity of these networks. We found that the natural process of diploid mating increases the likelihood of maintaining complexity, especially in higher order networks (more than 10 genes). We also show that gene insertion is a very efficient way to add more genes to a network as it provides a much higher chance of developmental stability. CONCLUSIONS:The continuous model affords a more complete view of the evolution of interacting genes. The notion of a continuous output vector also incorporates the reality of gene networks and graded concentrations of gene products.

SUBMITTER: Carneiro MO

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3270072 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Model transcriptional networks with continuously varying expression levels.

Carneiro Mauricio O MO Taubes Clifford H CH Hartl Daniel L DL

BMC evolutionary biology 20111219

<h4>Background</h4>At a time when genomes are being sequenced by the hundreds, much attention has shifted from identifying genes and phenotypes to understanding the networks of interactions among genes. We developed a gene network developmental model expanding on previous models of transcription regulatory networks. In our model, each network is described by a matrix representing the interactions between transcription factors, and a vector of continuous values representing the transcription fact ...[more]

PMID: 22182343

Similar Datasets

Project description:The alternative sigma factor RpoS is a central regulator of many stress responses in Escherichia coli The level of functional RpoS differs depending on the stress. The effect of these differing concentrations of RpoS on global transcriptional responses remains unclear. We investigated the effect of RpoS concentration on the transcriptome during stationary phase in rich media. We found that 23% of genes in the E. coli genome are regulated by RpoS, and we identified many RpoS-transcribed genes and promoters. We observed three distinct classes of response to RpoS by genes in the regulon: genes whose expression changes linearly with increasing RpoS level, genes whose expression changes dramatically with the production of only a little RpoS ("sensitive" genes), and genes whose expression changes very little with the production of a little RpoS ("insensitive"). We show that sequences outside the core promoter region determine whether an RpoS-regulated gene is sensitive or insensitive. Moreover, we show that sensitive and insensitive genes are enriched for specific functional classes and that the sensitivity of a gene to RpoS corresponds to the timing of induction as cells enter stationary phase. Thus, promoter sensitivity to RpoS is a mechanism to coordinate specific cellular processes with growth phase and may also contribute to the diversity of stress responses directed by RpoS.IMPORTANCE The sigma factor RpoS is a global regulator that controls the response to many stresses in Escherichia coli Different stresses result in different levels of RpoS production, but the consequences of this variation are unknown. We describe how changing the level of RpoS does not influence all RpoS-regulated genes equally. The cause of this variation is likely the action of transcription factors that bind the promoters of the genes. We show that the sensitivity of a gene to RpoS levels explains the timing of expression as cells enter stationary phase and that genes with different RpoS sensitivities are enriched for specific functional groups. Thus, promoter sensitivity to RpoS is a mechanism that coordinates specific cellular processes in response to stresses.

Dataset Information

Model transcriptional networks with continuously varying expression levels.

Publications

Model transcriptional networks with continuously varying expression levels.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets