Non-coding RNAs and a layered architecture of genetic networks
Journal article, 2010
In eukaryotic cells, protein-coding sequences constitute a relatively small part of the genome. The rest of the genome is transcribed to non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Such RNAs form the cornerstone of a regulatory network that operates in parallel with the protein network. Their biological functions are based primarily on the ability to pair with and deactivate target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). To clarify the likely role of ncRNAs in complex genetic networks, we present and comprehensively analyze a kinetic model of one of the key counterparts of the network architectures. Specifically, the genes transcribed to ncRNAs are considered to interplay with a hierarchical two-layer set of genes transcribed to mRNAs. The genes forming the bottom layer are regulated from the top and negatively self-regulated. If the former regulation is positive, the dependence of the RNA populations on the governing parameters is found to be often non-monotonous. Specifically, the model predicts bistability. If the regulation is negative, the dependence of the RNA populations on the governing parameters is monotonous. In particular, the population of the mRNAs, corresponding to the genes forming the bottom layer, is nearly constant.
models
dynamics
subcellular processes
nonprotein
transcriptional regulatory network
mean-field kinetic equations
association
expression
protein
distinct messenger-rnas
nonlinear dynamics
bistability
biology
degradation and
micrornas
coding rna
mRNA and ncRNA synthesis
escherichia-coli
Author
Vladimir Zhdanov
Chalmers, Applied Physics, Chemical Physics
Central European Journal of Physics
1895-1082 (ISSN) 1644-3608 (eISSN)
Vol. 8 6 864-872Subject Categories
Physical Sciences
DOI
10.2478/s11534-010-0025-9