Evolutionary modelling of feed forward loops in gene regulatory networks.
Feed forward loops (FFLs) are gene regulatory network motifs. They exist in different types, defined by the signs of the effects of genes in the motif on one another. We examine 36 feed forward loops in Escherichia coli, using evolutionary simulations to predict the forms of FFL expected to evolve to generate the pattern of expression of the output gene. These predictions are tested using likelihood ratios, comparing likelihoods of the observed FFL structures with their likelihoods under null models. The very high likelihood ratios generated, of over 10(11), suggest that evolutionary simulation is a valuable component in the explanation of FFL structure.
Cooper
Max B
MB
Institute of Genetics, School of Biology, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom.
Loose
Matthew
M
Brookfield
John F Y
JF
D005075:Biological Evolution; D015870:Gene Expression; D053263:Gene Regulatory Networks / Q000235:genetics*; D008957:Models, Genetic