Understanding how cell identity is encoded by the genome and acquired during differentiation is a central challenge in cell biology. We have developed a theoretical framework called EnhancerNet, which models the regulation of cell identity through the lens of transcription factor (TF)-enhancer interactions. We demonstrate that autoregulation in these interactions imposes a constraint on the model, resulting in simplified dynamics that can be parameterized from observed cell identities. Despite its simplicity, EnhancerNet recapitulates a broad range of experimental observations on cell identity dynamics, including enhancer selection, cell fate induction, hierarchical differentiation through multipotent progenitor states, and direct reprogramming by TF overexpression. The model makes specific quantitative predictions, reproducing known reprogramming recipes and the complex hematopoietic differentiation hierarchy without fitting unobserved parameters. EnhancerNet provides insights into how new cell types could evolve and highlights the functional importance of distal regulatory elements with dynamic chromatin in multicellular evolution.
EnhancerNet: A predictive model of cell identity dynamics through enhancer selection
Biologists @ 100 - join us in Liverpool in March 2025
We are excited to invite you to a unique scientific conference, celebrating the 100-year anniversary of The Company of Biologists, and bringing together our different communities. The conference will incorporate the Spring Meetings of the BSCB and the BSDB, the JEB Symposium Sensory Perception in a Changing World and a DMM programme on antimicrobial resistance. Find out more and register your interest to join us in March 2025 in Liverpool, UK.
Pathway to Independence Programme: our 2024 PI fellows
Following a successful pilot year in 2023 with a fantastic set of postdocs (several of whom are now establishing their own labs), we are delighted to be working with our second cohort of Pathway to Independence (PI) fellows, who we will be supporting with training, mentoring and networking opportunities over the coming years.
Development presents…
Development is excited to host a webinar series showcasing the latest developmental biology and stem cell research. The webinars are chaired each month by a different Development Editor, who invites talks from authors of exciting new papers and preprints. Visit Development presents... on the Node to see which topics are coming up and to catch up on recordings of past webinars.
40 years of the homeobox
2024 marks the 40th year since the discovery of the homeobox in 1984, a landmark that fundamentally impacted several fields including genetics, developmental biology, neuroscience and evolution. To celebrate this anniversary, Development has commissioned a series of articles from leaders in the field demonstrating the impact of the homeobox discovery on different disciplines.
Modelling Plant Stem Cells: Evolution, Development and Regeneration
Early-career researchers can now apply for a funded place for the Modelling Plant Stem Cells: Evolution, Development and Regeneration Workshop happening on 18-21 May 2025. This is a great opportunity that could enhance your career in various ways. Application deadline: Friday 15 November 2024.
Social media
