scholarly journals Physiological regulatory networks: ecological roles and evolutionary constraints

2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 428-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan A. Cohen ◽  
Lynn B. Martin ◽  
John C. Wingfield ◽  
Scott R. McWilliams ◽  
Jennifer A. Dunne
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Evolutionary Constraints ◽  
Ecological Roles

scholarly journals Predicting Evolutionary Constraints by Identifying Conflicting Demands in Regulatory Networks

Cell Systems ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 526-534.e3
Author(s):  
Manjunatha Kogenaru ◽  
Philippe Nghe ◽  
Frank J. Poelwijk ◽  
Sander J. Tans
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Evolutionary Constraints ◽  
Conflicting Demands

scholarly journals Evolutionary constraints in regulatory networks defined by partial order between phenotypes

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manjunatha Kogenaru ◽  
Philippe Nghe ◽  
Frank J. Poelwijk ◽  
Sander J. Tans
Keyword(s):  
Partial Order ◽  
Network Architecture ◽  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Evolutionary Constraints ◽  
Pareto Optimal ◽  
Binding Affinities ◽  
Pareto Optimal Front ◽  
Gene Regulation Networks ◽  
Network Output

AbstractGene regulation networks allow organisms to adapt to diverse environmental niches. However, the constraints underlying the evolution of regulatory phenotypes remain ill-defined both theoretically and experimentally. Here, we show that the concept of partial order identifies such constraints, and test the predictions by experimentally evolving an engineered signal-integrating network in multiple environments. We find that populations: 1) expand in fitness space along the Pareto-optimal front predicted by conflicts in regulatory demands, by fine-tuning binding affinities within the network, 2) expand beyond this constraint by changes in the network structure, thus allowing access to new fitness domains. Strikingly, the constraint predictions are based on whether the network output increases or decreases in response to the different signals, and do not require information on the network architecture or underlying genetics. Overall, our findings show that limited knowledge on current regulatory phenotypes can provide predictions on future evolutionary constraints.

Homology, Genes, and Evolutionary Innovation

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Günter P. Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary Biology ◽  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Origin And Evolution ◽  
Major Transitions ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
Historical Continuity ◽  
Evolutionary Innovation ◽  
Character Identity

Homology—a similar trait shared by different species and derived from common ancestry, such as a seal's fin and a bird's wing—is one of the most fundamental yet challenging concepts in evolutionary biology. This book provides the first mechanistically based theory of what homology is and how it arises in evolution. The book argues that homology, or character identity, can be explained through the historical continuity of character identity networks—that is, the gene regulatory networks that enable differential gene expression. It shows how character identity is independent of the form and function of the character itself because the same network can activate different effector genes and thus control the development of different shapes, sizes, and qualities of the character. Demonstrating how this theoretical model can provide a foundation for understanding the evolutionary origin of novel characters, the book applies it to the origin and evolution of specific systems, such as cell types; skin, hair, and feathers; limbs and digits; and flowers. The first major synthesis of homology to be published in decades, this book reveals how a mechanistically based theory can serve as a unifying concept for any branch of science concerned with the structure and development of organisms, and how it can help explain major transitions in evolution and broad patterns of biological diversity.

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