Scaling of gene expression with transcription-factor fugacity

Phys Rev Lett. 2014 Dec 19;113(25):258101. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.113.258101. Epub 2014 Dec 16.

Abstract

The proteins associated with gene regulation are often shared between multiple pathways simultaneously. By way of contrast, models in regulatory biology often assume these pathways act independently. We demonstrate a framework for calculating the change in gene expression for the interacting case by decoupling repressor occupancy across the cell from the gene of interest by way of a chemical potential. The details of the interacting regulatory architecture are encompassed in an effective concentration, and thus, a single scaling function describes a collection of gene expression data from diverse regulatory situations and collapses it onto a single master curve.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / genetics
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / metabolism
  • Gene Dosage
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Models, Genetic*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Transcription Factors
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases