Stochasticity in gene expression: from theories to phenotypes.
Genetically identical cells exposed to the same environmental conditions can show significant variation in molecular content and marked differences in phenotypic characteristics. This variability is linked to stochasticity in gene expression, which is generally viewed as having detrimental effects on cellular function with potential implications for disease. However, stochasticity in gene expression can also be advantageous. It can provide the flexibility needed by cells to adapt to fluctuating environments or respond to sudden stresses, and a mechanism by which population heterogeneity can be established during cellular differentiation and development.
Kaern
Mads
M
Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H8M5, Canada. mkaern@uottawa.ca
Elston
Timothy C
TC
Blake
William J
WJ
Collins
James J
JJ
D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000235:genetics; D005057:Eukaryotic Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000502:physiology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D010641:Phenotype; D013269:Stochastic Processes