Graham, T.G., Tabei, S.M., Dinner, A.R., Rebay, I. (2010). Modeling bistable cell-fate choices in the Drosophila eye: qualitative and quantitative perspectives. Development 137(14): 2265--2278.
FlyBase ID
FBrf0211114
Publication Type
Review
Abstract
A major goal of developmental biology is to understand the molecular mechanisms whereby genetic signaling networks establish and maintain distinct cell types within multicellular organisms. Here, we review cell-fate decisions in the developing eye of Drosophila melanogaster and the experimental results that have revealed the topology of the underlying signaling circuitries. We then propose that switch-like network motifs based on positive feedback play a central role in cell-fate choice, and discuss how mathematical modeling can be used to understand and predict the bistable or multistable behavior of such networks.
