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arXiv · 1401.7872

On the conflict between precision and robustness in the proportion regulation of cell types

Ismael Rafols·Harry K. MacWilliams·Yasuo Maeda·Yasuji Sawada
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Abstract

In Dictyostelium discoideum the proportion of cell types is known to be actively regulated, recovering, for example, after the removal of a given cell type. However, we have recently shown that regulation is intrinsically imprecise: it controls the proportion above/below certain upper and lower thresholds, but not within an allowed range of values that these thresholds define. To explain this finding we present a model based on (i) a global negative feedback, and (ii) a cell-autonomous positive feedback leading to a hysteresis-like behaviour (i.e, a bistability of cell type). The simulated cell-type proportion is indeed found to span a range of values as a consequence of the bistability. We conclude that there is a general conflict between the precision of proportion regulation and the robustness of the differentiation of cell types.

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Ismael Rafols, Harry K. MacWilliams, Yasuo Maeda, Yasuji Sawada. 2014-01-30. On the conflict between precision and robustness in the proportion regulation of cell types. https://arxiv.org/abs/1401.7872

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