title: Epigenetics as a first exit problem.
abstract: We develop a framework to discuss the stability of epigenetic states as first exit problems in dynamical systems with noise. We consider in particular the stability of the lysogenic state of the lambda prophage. The formalism defines a quantitative measure of robustness of inherited states.
authors.affiliation: SICS, Box 1263, SE-164 29 Kista, Sweden.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Aurell
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sneppen
mesh_terms: D010582:Bacteriophage lambda / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D001665:Binding Sites; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000821:virology; D015967:Gene Expression Regulation, Viral; D008242:Lysogeny / Q000235:genetics; D008957:Models, Genetic; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D054334:Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D012097:Repressor Proteins; D014764:Viral Proteins; D054334:Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins; C016649:phage repressor proteins