How evolution in genotype networks drives biological function
In a new study in Nature Communications, researchers around Joerg Stelling from the Computational Systems Biology group and Yolanda Schaerli, University of Lausanne, shed light on the link between the genetic makeup (genotype) and the behaviour (phenotype) of gene regulatory networks. Using experimental synthetic biology and approx. 4 million mathematical models, they demonstrate large genotype networks, i.e., connected genotypes with the same phenotype, that can facilitate evolution.
Abstract
- Genotype networks are sets of genotypes connected by small mutational changes that share the same phenotype.
- Experimental evidence for genotype networks in gene regulatory networks (GRNs) as a driving force in evolution was missing so far.
- Over 20 engineered GRNs and 4 million mathematical models produce distinct phenotypes such as stripe formation and oscillations.
Find original publication:
Santos-Moreno, J., Tasiudi, E., Kusumawardhani, H. et al. external pageRobustness and innovation in synthetic genotype networks. Nature Communications 14, 2454 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-38033-3
Learn about the Computational System Biology lab led by Joerg Stelling.