Adaptive Dynamics of Regulatory Networks: Size Matters. (3rd February 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Repsilber, Dirk; Martinetz, Thomas; Björklund, Mats
• Other Names: Steinfath Matthias Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: EURASIP journal on bioinformatics and systems biology. Volume 2009(2009)
• Publication Date: 2009-02-03
• Subjects: Bioinformatics -- Periodicals; Systems biology -- Periodicals; Systems Biology; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; Bio-informatique; Biologie systémique; Bioinformatics; Systems biology; Systems Biology; Bioinformatics; Electronic journals; Periodical; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; Periodicals; 570.285
• DOI: 10.1155/2009/618502
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-4145

Abstract

Abstract : To accomplish adaptability, all living organisms are constructed of regulatory networks on different levels which are capable to differentially respond to a variety of environmental inputs. Structure of regulatory networks determines their phenotypical plasticity, that is, the degree of detail and appropriateness of regulatory replies to environmental or developmental challenges. This regulatory network structure is encoded within the genotype. Our conceptual simulation study investigates how network structure constrains the evolution of networks and their adaptive abilities. The focus is on the structural parameter network size . We show that small regulatory networks adapt fast, but not as good as larger networks in the longer perspective. Selection leads to an optimal network size dependent on heterogeneity of the environment and time pressure of adaptation. Optimal mutation rates are higher for smaller networks. We put special emphasis on discussing our simulation results on the background of functional observations from experimental and evolutionary biology.