Epigenetics and Systems Biology 1St Edition Ebook

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Epigenetics and Systems Biology 1St Edition Ebook EPIGENETICS AND SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 1ST EDITION PDF, EPUB, EBOOK Leonie Ringrose | 9780128030769 | | | | | Epigenetics and Systems Biology 1st edition PDF Book Regulation of lipogenic gene expression by lysine-specific histone demethylase-1 LSD1. BEDTools: a flexible suite of utilities for comparing genomic features. New technologies are also needed to study higher order chromatin organization and function. For example, acetylation of the K14 and K9 lysines of the tail of histone H3 by histone acetyltransferase enzymes HATs is generally related to transcriptional competence. The idea that multiple dynamic modifications regulate gene transcription in a systematic and reproducible way is called the histone code , although the idea that histone state can be read linearly as a digital information carrier has been largely debunked. Namespaces Article Talk. It seems existing structures act as templates for new structures. As part of its efforts, the society launched a journal, Epigenetics , in January with the goal of covering a full spectrum of epigenetic considerations—medical, nutritional, psychological, behavioral—in any organism. Sooner or later, with the advancements in biomedical tools, the detection of such biomarkers as prognostic and diagnostic tools in patients could possibly emerge out as alternative approaches. Genotype—phenotype distinction Reaction norm Gene—environment interaction Gene—environment correlation Operon Heritability Quantitative genetics Heterochrony Neoteny Heterotopy. The lysine demethylase, KDM4B, is a key molecule in androgen receptor signalling and turnover. Khan, A. Hidden categories: Webarchive template wayback links All articles lacking reliable references Articles lacking reliable references from September Wikipedia articles needing clarification from January All articles with unsourced statements Articles with unsourced statements from June This mechanism enables differentiated cells in a multicellular organism to express only the genes that are necessary for their own activity. The two groups are already working closely together in planning their projects to avoid redundancies, and this cooperation will likely continue. Recently with the introduction of massively parallel sequencing equipments and the decreasing cost of sequencing, ChIP is being used more frequently with sequencing based methods ChIP-Seq. These epigenetic changes may last through cell divisions for the duration of the cell's life, and may also last for multiple generations, even though they do not involve changes in the underlying DNA sequence of the organism; [5] instead, non-genetic factors cause the organism's genes to behave or "express themselves" differently. Publication of EHP lies in the public domain and is therefore without copyright. The numbers next to individual nodes of the hierarchical family tree indicate transcription factor superclass, class, and family from inward out. These epigenetic changes lasted up to two generations without reintroducing the shock. One such drug, azacitidine, has been approved for use in the United States to treat myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood disease that can progress to leukemia. Figure 2. Adult stem cells like bone marrow stem cells have also shown a potential to differentiate into cardiac competent cells when treated with G9a histone methyltransferase inhibitor BIX Furthermore, different members of transcription factor families have the ability to recognize the same sequence motif. Cancer 15 , — One way that genes are regulated is through the remodeling of chromatin. Breast Cancer Res. Coordinated experiments focused on transcriptional responses and chromatin states are well-equipped to capture different epigenomic and transcriptomic levels governing the circuitry of a regulatory network. Though, they are strongly associated with cancer, their role in other pathological conditions are of equal importance. The Journal of Nutrition. Nature Genetics. Epigenetics and Systems Biology 1st edition Writer The National Institute of Health has a large program initiative to develop new epigenomic assays, generate reference epigenomic maps and describe disease specific epigenomic changes vog. Trends in Cell Biology. This recently identified enzyme has a catalytically active site called the Jumonji domain JmjC. This process is brought about by modification of the genetic material without changing the nucleotide sequence. Transcription factor target TFT analysis defines which transcription factor governs a set of target genes. Dizygotic fraternal and monozygotic identical twins show evidence of epigenetic influence in humans. Moreover, if gene inactivation occurs in a sperm or egg cell that results in fertilization, this epigenetic modification may also be transferred to the next generation. Most recent studies indicate that cancer involves both global and gene-specific hypomethylation and hypermethylation, as well as widespread chromatin modifications 32 , In cancer, due to the ability to team up with transcription factors, epigenetic factors concert mitogenic and metabolic gene networks, claiming the role of a cancer master regulators or epioncogenes. Chromatin is the complex of DNA and the histone proteins with which it associates. Langmead, B. Later on in development epigenetic marks are maintained through cell division to maintain cell identity. USA , — Various pharmacological agents are applied for the production of induced pluripotent stem cells iPSC or maintain the embryonic stem cell ESC phenotypic via epigenetic approach. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. Taken to its extreme, the "epigenetic code" could represent the total state of the cell, with the position of each molecule accounted for in an epigenomic map , a diagrammatic representation of the gene expression, DNA methylation and histone modification status of a particular genomic region. Journal of Bacteriology. Crosstalk between epigenetics and metabolism-Yin and Yang of histone demethylases and methyltransferases in cancer. Faseb J. One example of an epigenetic change in eukaryotic biology is the process of cellular differentiation. These newly constructed networks function very efficiently via new pathways as soon as drugs of abuse are further taken Epigenetic research uses a wide range of molecular biological techniques to further understanding of epigenetic phenomena, including chromatin immunoprecipitation together with its large-scale variants ChIP-on-chip and ChIP-Seq , fluorescent in situ hybridization , methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes , DNA adenine methyltransferase identification DamID and bisulfite sequencing. October The effect of different external signals depends on epigenetic modification in the target cells The cellular response to external signals may reflect chromatin-based epigenetic differences superimposed on the static genetic code. Quinlan, A. Journal of Theoretical Biology. Systems Regulation of gene expression Gene regulatory network Evo-devo gene toolkit Evolutionary developmental biology Homeobox Hedgehog signaling pathway Notch signaling pathway. Do Butterflies Bite? Ultimately, by overlaying the motif-specific and genomic data produced through matched experiments, epigenomic events can be correlated with the transcriptomic effect of histone remodelers and transcription factors. A new human prostate carcinoma cell line, 22Rv1. Evolution in four dimensions: genetic, epigenetic, behavioral, and symbolic variation in the history of life. Download as PDF Printable version. There were physical changes that correlated with olfactory smell function in the brains of the trained mice and their descendants. Homeotic gene Hox gene Pax genes eyeless gene Distal-less Engrailed cis-regulatory element Ligand Morphogen Cell surface receptor Transcription factor. Electronic supplementary material. Extreme states of epigenetic master regulators by somatic loss or gain of function in cancer may emphasize preexisting cooperative interactions with transcription factors, which may be subtle and difficult to detect under normal circumstances. In recent times, Waddington's notion of the epigenetic landscape has been rigorously formalized in the context of the systems dynamics state approach to the study of cell-fate. Retinopathy and nephropathy in patients with type 1 diabetes four years after a trial of intensive therapy. Therefore, the word "epigenetics" is sometimes used as a synonym for these processes. Look up epigenetics in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. But comprehensively studying all the epigenetic and epigenomic factors related to a multitude of diseases and health conditions will take much more work. The main limitation of the assay is the cost of sequencing, although emerging very high-throughput sequencing technologies may bring the cost down in future. This is the "cis" model of the epigenetic function. Presents original research in a wider perspective to reveal potential for synergies between the two fields of study Provides the latest experiments in primary literature for the modeling audience Includes chapters written by experts in systems biology and epigenetics who have vast experience studying clinical applications. Rutgers University Press. Epigenetic changes can potentially lead to gene expression changes and disease development. Epigenetics and Systems Biology 1st edition Reviews A large amount of RNA and protein is contributed to the zygote by the mother during oogenesis or via nurse cells , resulting in maternal effect phenotypes. Epigenetic research uses a wide range of molecular
Recommended publications
  • Transformations of Lamarckism Vienna Series in Theoretical Biology Gerd B
    Transformations of Lamarckism Vienna Series in Theoretical Biology Gerd B. M ü ller, G ü nter P. Wagner, and Werner Callebaut, editors The Evolution of Cognition , edited by Cecilia Heyes and Ludwig Huber, 2000 Origination of Organismal Form: Beyond the Gene in Development and Evolutionary Biology , edited by Gerd B. M ü ller and Stuart A. Newman, 2003 Environment, Development, and Evolution: Toward a Synthesis , edited by Brian K. Hall, Roy D. Pearson, and Gerd B. M ü ller, 2004 Evolution of Communication Systems: A Comparative Approach , edited by D. Kimbrough Oller and Ulrike Griebel, 2004 Modularity: Understanding the Development and Evolution of Natural Complex Systems , edited by Werner Callebaut and Diego Rasskin-Gutman, 2005 Compositional Evolution: The Impact of Sex, Symbiosis, and Modularity on the Gradualist Framework of Evolution , by Richard A. Watson, 2006 Biological Emergences: Evolution by Natural Experiment , by Robert G. B. Reid, 2007 Modeling Biology: Structure, Behaviors, Evolution , edited by Manfred D. Laubichler and Gerd B. M ü ller, 2007 Evolution of Communicative Flexibility: Complexity, Creativity, and Adaptability in Human and Animal Communication , edited by Kimbrough D. Oller and Ulrike Griebel, 2008 Functions in Biological and Artifi cial Worlds: Comparative Philosophical Perspectives , edited by Ulrich Krohs and Peter Kroes, 2009 Cognitive Biology: Evolutionary and Developmental Perspectives on Mind, Brain, and Behavior , edited by Luca Tommasi, Mary A. Peterson, and Lynn Nadel, 2009 Innovation in Cultural Systems: Contributions from Evolutionary Anthropology , edited by Michael J. O ’ Brien and Stephen J. Shennan, 2010 The Major Transitions in Evolution Revisited , edited by Brett Calcott and Kim Sterelny, 2011 Transformations of Lamarckism: From Subtle Fluids to Molecular Biology , edited by Snait B.
    [Show full text]
  • Integrative Analysis for Elucidating Transcriptomics Landscapes of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis
    fcell-08-00252 April 13, 2020 Time: 17:59 # 1 ORIGINAL RESEARCH published: 16 April 2020 doi: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00252 Integrative Analysis for Elucidating Transcriptomics Landscapes of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis Xiaoxia Ying1†, Xiyun Jin2†, Pingping Wang2†, Yuzhu He1, Haomiao Zhang1, Xiang Ren1, Songling Chai1, Wenqi Fu1, Pengcheng Zhao1, Chen Chen1, Guowu Ma1* and Huiying Liu1* 1 2 Edited by: School of Stomatology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Harbin Institute Yongchun Zuo, of Technology, Harbin, China Inner Mongolia University, China Reviewed by: Osteoporosis is the most common bone metabolic disease, characterized by bone Liang Yu, mass loss and bone microstructure changes due to unbalanced bone conversion, Xidian University, China Yanshuo Chu, which increases bone fragility and fracture risk. Glucocorticoids are clinically used to The University of Texas MD Anderson treat a variety of diseases, including inflammation, cancer and autoimmune diseases. Cancer Center, United States However, excess glucocorticoids can cause osteoporosis. Herein we performed an *Correspondence: Guowu Ma integrated analysis of two glucocorticoid-related microarray datasets. The WGCNA [email protected] analysis identified 3 and 4 glucocorticoid-related gene modules, respectively. Differential Huiying Liu expression analysis revealed 1047 and 844 differentially expressed genes in the two [email protected] datasets. After integrating differentially expressed glucocorticoid-related genes, we †These authors have contributed equally to this work found that most of the robust differentially expressed genes were up-regulated. Through protein-protein interaction analysis, we obtained 158 glucocorticoid-related candidate Specialty section: This article was submitted to genes. Enrichment analysis showed that these genes are significantly enriched in the Epigenomics and Epigenetics, osteoporosis related pathways.
    [Show full text]
  • Ecological Developmental Biology and Disease States CHAPTER 5 Teratogenesis: Environmental Assaults on Development 167
    Integrating Epigenetics, Medicine, and Evolution Scott F. Gilbert David Epel Swarthmore College Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University Sinauer Associates, Inc. • Publishers Sunderland, Massachusetts U.S.A. © Sinauer Associates, Inc. This material cannot be copied, reproduced, manufactured or disseminated in any form without express written permission from the publisher. Brief Contents PART 1 Environmental Signals and Normal Development CHAPTER 1 The Environment as a Normal Agent in Producing Phenotypes 3 CHAPTER 2 How Agents in the Environment Effect Molecular Changes in Development 37 CHAPTER 3 Developmental Symbiosis: Co-Development as a Strategy for Life 79 CHAPTER 4 Embryonic Defenses: Survival in a Hostile World 119 PART 2 Ecological Developmental Biology and Disease States CHAPTER 5 Teratogenesis: Environmental Assaults on Development 167 CHAPTER 6 Endocrine Disruptors 197 CHAPTER 7 The Epigenetic Origin of Adult Diseases 245 PART 3 Toward a Developmental Evolutionary Synthesis CHAPTER 8 The Modern Synthesis: Natural Selection of Allelic Variation 289 CHAPTER 9 Evolution through Developmental Regulatory Genes 323 CHAPTER 10 Environment, Development, and Evolution: Toward a New Synthesis 369 CODA Philosophical Concerns Raised by Ecological Developmental Biology 403 APPENDIX A Lysenko, Kammerer, and the Truncated Tradition of Ecological Developmental Biology 421 APPENDIX B The Molecular Mechanisms of Epigenetic Change 433 APPENDIX C Writing Development Out of the Modern Synthesis 441 APPENDIX D Epigenetic Inheritance Systems:
    [Show full text]
  • Etude Sur L'origine Et L'évolution Des Variations Florales Chez Delphinium L. (Ranunculaceae) À Travers La Morphologie, L'anatomie Et La Tératologie
    Etude sur l'origine et l'évolution des variations florales chez Delphinium L. (Ranunculaceae) à travers la morphologie, l'anatomie et la tératologie : 2019SACLS126 : NNT Thèse de doctorat de l'Université Paris-Saclay préparée à l'Université Paris-Sud ED n°567 : Sciences du végétal : du gène à l'écosystème (SDV) Spécialité de doctorat : Biologie Thèse présentée et soutenue à Paris, le 29/05/2019, par Felipe Espinosa Moreno Composition du Jury : Bernard Riera Chargé de Recherche, CNRS (MECADEV) Rapporteur Julien Bachelier Professeur, Freie Universität Berlin (DCPS) Rapporteur Catherine Damerval Directrice de Recherche, CNRS (Génétique Quantitative et Evolution Le Moulon) Présidente Dario De Franceschi Maître de Conférences, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (CR2P) Examinateur Sophie Nadot Professeure, Université Paris-Sud (ESE) Directrice de thèse Florian Jabbour Maître de conférences, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (ISYEB) Invité Etude sur l'origine et l'évolution des variations florales chez Delphinium L. (Ranunculaceae) à travers la morphologie, l'anatomie et la tératologie Remerciements Ce manuscrit présente le travail de doctorat que j'ai réalisé entre les années 2016 et 2019 au sein de l'Ecole doctorale Sciences du végétale: du gène à l'écosystème, à l'Université Paris-Saclay Paris-Sud et au Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle de Paris. Même si sa réalisation a impliqué un investissement personnel énorme, celui-ci a eu tout son sens uniquement et grâce à l'encadrement, le soutien et l'accompagnement de nombreuses personnes que je remercie de la façon la plus sincère. Je remercie très spécialement Florian Jabbour et Sophie Nadot, mes directeurs de thèse.
    [Show full text]
  • Connectivity of Vertebrate Genomes: Paired-Related Homeobox (Prrx) Genes in Spotted Gar, Basal Teleosts, and Tetrapods
    Connectivity of vertebrate genomes: Paired-related homeobox (Prrx) genes in spotted gar, basal teleosts, and tetrapods. Ingo Braasch, Yann Guiguen, Ryan Loker, John H Letaw, Allyse Ferrara, Julien Bobe, John H Postlethwait To cite this version: Ingo Braasch, Yann Guiguen, Ryan Loker, John H Letaw, Allyse Ferrara, et al.. Connectivity of ver- tebrate genomes: Paired-related homeobox (Prrx) genes in spotted gar, basal teleosts, and tetrapods.. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology - Part C: Toxicology and Pharmacology, Elsevier, 2014, 163, pp.24-36. 10.1016/j.cbpc.2014.01.005. hal-01205078 HAL Id: hal-01205078 https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01205078 Submitted on 27 May 2020 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. Research Article Connectivity of vertebrate genomes: Paired-related homeobox (Prrx) genes in spotted gar, basal teleosts, and tetrapods Ingo Braascha, Yann Guiguenb, Ryan Lokera, John H. Letawa,1, Allyse Ferrarac, Julien Bobeb, and John H. Postlethwaita aInstitute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene 97403-1254, OR, USA; bINRA, UR1037 LPGP, Campus de Beaulieu, F-35000 Rennes, France; cDepartment of Biological Sciences, Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA 70310, USA Email addresses: Ingo Braasch: [email protected] Yann Guigen: [email protected] Ryan Loker: [email protected] John H.
    [Show full text]
  • Systems Biology Lecture Outline (Systems Biology) Michael K
    Spring 2019 – Epigenetics and Systems Biology Lecture Outline (Systems Biology) Michael K. Skinner – Biol 476/576 CUE 418, 10:35-11:50 am, Tuesdays & Thursdays January 22 & 29, 2019 Weeks 3 and 4 Systems Biology (Components & Technology) Components (DNA, Expression, Cellular, Organ, Physiology, Organism, Differentiation, Development, Phenotype, Evolution) Technology (Genomics, Transcriptomes, Proteomics) (Interaction, Signaling, Metabolism) Omics (Data Processing and Resources) Required Reading ENCODE (2012) ENCODE Explained. Nature 489:52-55. Tavassoly I, Goldfarb J, Iyengar R. (2018) Essays Biochem. 62(4):487-500. Literature Sundaram V, Wang T. Transposable Element Mediated Innovation in Gene Regulatory Landscapes of Cells: Re-Visiting the "Gene-Battery" Model. Bioessays. 2018 40(1). doi: 10.1002/bies.201700155. Abil Z, Ellefson JW, Gollihar JD, Watkins E, Ellington AD. Compartmentalized partnered replication for the directed evolution of genetic parts and circuits. Nat Protoc. 2017 Dec;12(12):2493- 2512. Filipp FV. Crosstalk between epigenetics and metabolism-Yin and Yang of histone demethylases and methyltransferases in cancer. Brief Funct Genomics. 2017 Nov 1;16(6):320-325. Chen Z, Li S, Subramaniam S, Shyy JY, Chien S. Epigenetic Regulation: A New Frontier for Biomedical Engineers. Annu Rev Biomed Eng. 2017 Jun 21;19:195-219. Hollick JB. Paramutation and related phenomena in diverse species. Nat Rev Genet. 2017 Jan;18(1):5-23. Macovei A, Pagano A, Leonetti P, Carbonera D, Balestrazzi A, Araújo SS. Systems biology and genome-wide approaches to unveil the molecular players involved in the pre-germinative metabolism: implications on seed technology traits. Plant Cell Rep. 2017 May;36(5):669-688. Bagchi DN, Iyer VR.
    [Show full text]
  • EPIGENOMICS: BEYOND Cpg ISLANDS
    REVIEWS EPIGENOMICS: BEYOND CpG ISLANDS Melissa J. Fazzari* and John M. Greally† Epigenomic studies aim to define the location and nature of the genomic sequences that are epigenetically modified. Much progress has been made towards whole-genome epigenetic profiling using molecular techniques, but the analysis of such large and complex data sets is far from trivial given the correlated nature of sequence and functional characteristics within the genome. We describe the statistical solutions that help to overcome the problems with data-set complexity, in anticipation of the imminent wealth of data that will be generated by new genome- wide epigenetic profiling and DNA sequence analysis techniques. So far, epigenomic studies have succeeded in identifying CpG islands, but recent evidence points towards a role for transposable elements in epigenetic regulation, causing the fields of study of epigenetics and transposable element biology to converge. Epigenetic inheritance involves the transmission of issues of correlation and causality — for example, the information not encoded in DNA sequences from cell DNA sequence feature might be the effect of the epige- to daughter cell or from generation to generation. netic process rather than mechanistically involved in Covalent modifications of the DNA or its packaging directing it. As new techniques to characterize epigenetic histones are responsible for transmitting epigenetic processes throughout the genome are being applied, we information. Epigenomics can be defined as a genome- have the potential to generate large amounts of data to wide approach to studying epigenetics. This term facilitate epigenomic studies. It is a good time now to encompasses whole-genome studies of epigenetic consider these issues so that we can design our analytical processes and the identification of the DNA sequences approaches appropriately.
    [Show full text]
  • Csbc Research and Highlights (2016-2020)
    Released March 2021 CSBC RESEARCH AND HIGHLIGHTS (2016-2020) Shannon Hughes, Ph.D. Hannah Dueck, Ph.D. Dan Gallahan, Ph.D. NCI Division of Cancer Biology June 15, 2020 1 Released March 2021 CSBC Research and Highlights (2016-2020) The major goal of the NCI Cancer Systems Biology Consortium initiative is to advance the mechanistic understanding of cancer using systems biology approaches that build and test predictive models of disease initiation, progression, and response to treatment. While a translational research component is not required for CSBC-supported Centers and Projects the ultimate goal of CSBC research is to make a positive impact on the lives of cancer patients. Although not explicitly solicited, five major research themes (U54s) and questions (U01s) have emerged across the CSBC portfolio: (a) the role of tumor heterogeneity and evolution in cancer; (b) biological mechanisms of therapeutic sensitivity and resistance; (c) tumor-immune interactions in cancer progression and treatment; (d) cell-cell interactions and complexities of the tumor microenvironment; and (e) systems analysis of metastatic disease. This document provides CSBC research highlights related to the five broad areas above as compiled by NCI Program Staff. The overview is not meant to be an exhaustive literature review within these areas of cancer biology but reflect contributions from CSBC investigators. Therefore, all references are purposefully limited to CSBC-supported manuscripts to highlight the breadth of research and impact across the CSBC portfolio. In some cases, links to papers currently under review are provided. Only a subset of the over 430 consortium publications (as of May 15, 2020) are highlighted here, a more complete collection of publications and tools associated with CSBC research is available through the Cancer Complexity Knowledge Portal.
    [Show full text]
  • "Evolution and Tinkering" (1977), by Francois Jacob [1]
    Published on The Embryo Project Encyclopedia (https://embryo.asu.edu) "Evolution and Tinkering" (1977), by Francois Jacob [1] By: Racine, Valerie Keywords: bricolage [2] tinkering [3] In his essay "Evolution and Tinkering," published in Science in 1977, François Jacob argues that a common analogy between the process of evolution [4] by natural selection [5] and the methods of engineering is problematic. Instead, he proposes to describe the process of evolution [4] with the concept of bricolage (tinkering). In this essay, Jacob does not deny the importance of the mechanism of natural selection [5] in shaping complex adaptations. Instead, he maintains that the cumulative effects of history on the evolution [4] of life, made evident by molecular data, provides an alternative account of the patterns depicting the history of life on earth. Jacob's essay contributed to genetic research in the late twentieth century that emphasized certain types of topics in evolutionary and developmental biology, such as genetic regulation [6], gene duplication events, and the genetic program of embryonic development. It also proposed why, in future research, biologists should expect to discover an underlying similarity in the molecular structure of genomes, and that they should expect to find many imperfections in evolutionary history despite the influence of natural selection [5]. The author of the article, François Jacob, studied enzyme expression and regulation [6] in bacteria and bacteriophages at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, France. In 1965, Jacob won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine [7] with André M. Lwoff and Jacques L. Monod for their work on the genetic control of enzyme and virus synthesis.
    [Show full text]
  • Homology of Process: Developmental Dynamics in Comparative Biology
    Forthcoming in Interface Focus Homology of process: developmental dynamics in comparative biology James DiFrisco1,* and Johannes Jaeger2,3 (1) Institute of Philosophy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (2) Complexity Science Hub (CSH) Vienna, Josefstädter Straße 39, 1080 Vienna, Austria (3) Department of Molecular Evolution & Development, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria Abstract: Comparative biology builds up systematic knowledge of the diversity of life, across evolutionary lineages and levels of organization, starting with evidence from a sparse sample of model organisms. In developmental biology, a key obstacle to the growth of comparative approaches is that the concept of homology is not very well defined for levels of organization that are intermediate between individual genes and morphological characters. In this paper, we investigate what it means for ontogenetic processes to be homologous, focusing specifically on the examples of insect segmentation and vertebrate somitogenesis. These processes can be homologous without homology of the underlying genes or gene networks, since the latter can diverge over evolutionary time, while the dynamics of the process remain the same. Ontogenetic processes like these therefore constitute a dissociable level and distinctive unit of comparison requiring their own specific criteria of homology. In addition, such processes are typically complex and nonlinear, such that their rigorous description and comparison not only requires observation and experimentation, but also dynamical modeling. We propose six criteria of process homology, combining recognized indicators (sameness of parts, morphological outcome, and topological position) with novel ones derived from dynamical systems modeling (sameness of dynamical properties, dynamical complexity, and evidence for transitional forms). We show how these criteria apply to animal segmentation and other ontogenetic processes.
    [Show full text]
  • Long Non-Coding Rnas, the Dark Matter: an Emerging Regulatory Component in Plants
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences Review Long Non-Coding RNAs, the Dark Matter: An Emerging Regulatory Component in Plants Muhammad Waseem 1,2,3 , Yuanlong Liu 1,2,3 and Rui Xia 1,2,3,* 1 State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China; [email protected] (M.W.); [email protected] (Y.L.) 2 Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China 3 Key Laboratory of Biology and Germplasm Enhancement of Horticultural Crops in South China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are pervasive transcripts of longer than 200 nucleotides and indiscernible coding potential. lncRNAs are implicated as key regulatory molecules in various fundamental biological processes at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic levels. Ad- vances in computational and experimental approaches have identified numerous lncRNAs in plants. lncRNAs have been found to act as prime mediators in plant growth, development, and tolerance to stresses. This review summarizes the current research status of lncRNAs in planta, their classification based on genomic context, their mechanism of action, and specific bioinformatics tools and resources for their identification and characterization. Our overarching goal is to summarize recent progress on understanding the regulatory role of lncRNAs in plant developmental processes such as flowering time, reproductive growth, and abiotic stresses. We also review the role of lncRNA in nutrient stress and the ability to improve biotic stress tolerance in plants.
    [Show full text]
  • Systems Biology and Its Relevance to Alcohol Research
    Commentary: Systems Biology and Its Relevance to Alcohol Research Q. Max Guo, Ph.D., and Sam Zakhari, Ph.D. Systems biology, a new scientific discipline, aims to study the behavior of a biological organization or process in order to understand the function of a dynamic system. This commentary will put into perspective topics discussed in this issue of Alcohol Research & Health, provide insight into why alcohol-induced disorders exemplify the kinds of conditions for which a systems biological approach would be fruitful, and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing alcohol researchers. KEY WORDS: Alcohol-induced disorders; alcohol research; biomedical research; systems biology; biological systems; mathematical modeling; genomics; epigenomics; transcriptomics; metabolomics; proteomics ntil recently, most biologists’ emerging discipline that deals with, Alcohol Research & Health intend to efforts have been devoted to and takes advantage of, these enormous address. In this commentary, we will Ureducing complex biological amounts of data. Although scientists try to put the topics discussed in this systems to the properties of individual and engineers have applied the concept issue into perspective, provide views molecules. However, with the com­ of an integrated systemic approach for on the significance of systems biology pleted sequencing of the genomes of years, systems biology has only emerged as a new, distinct discipline to study 1 High-throughput genomics is the study of the structure humans, mice, rats, and many other and function of an organism’s complete genetic content, organisms, technological advances in complex biological systems in the past or genome, using technology that analyzes a large num­ the fields of high-throughput genomics1 several years.
    [Show full text]