Specifying epigenetic states with autoregulatory transcription factors

J Theor Biol. 1994 Sep 21;170(2):175-81. doi: 10.1006/jtbi.1994.1177.

Abstract

Epigenetic information, not DNA sequence, distinguishes different cell types within a multicellular organism. The molecular nature of epigenetic information specifying differentiated cell types is unknown. However, it must be stable over time and mitotically heritable. In this paper, steady-state levels of autoregulatory transcription factors are explored as a potential form of epigenetic information. In particular, a model autoregulatory transcription factor having two alternative stable steady-state levels is presented. Each steady-state level specifies a phenotypically distinguishable epigenetic state, analogous to a differentiated cell type. These states are mitotically stable if the transcription factor is inherited during cell division.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Homeostasis
  • Models, Genetic*
  • Transcription Factors*

Substances

  • Transcription Factors