Abstract
The standard view of development is that cells become different because they activate different genes. Muscle activates muscle genes. Nerve activates nerve genes. This simple view has recently been challenged. Our single cell gene expression data indicates cells become different because of the genes that are repressed, not the genes that are activated. Using simple models of genetic circuits based upon either activation or repression, we will investigate the advantages of these different regulatory strategies in generating robust cellular decisions. The validity of these models will be tested using synthetic biology and live cell imaging of gene expression.
References
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