Constraints Shape Cell Function and Morphology by Canalizing the Developmental Path along the Waddington's Landscape. (27th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bizzarri, Mariano; Giuliani, Alessandro; Minini, Mirko; Monti, Noemi; Cucina, Alessandra
• Is Part Of: BioEssays. Volume 42:Number 4(2020:Apr.)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-02-27
• Subjects: cell fate commitment -- constraints -- self‐organizing systems -- symmetry breaking; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900108
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-9247

Abstract

Abstract: Studies performed in absence of gravitational constraint show that a living system is unable to choose between two different phenotypes, thus leading cells to segregate into different, alternative stable states. This finding demonstrates that the genotype does not determine by itself the phenotype but requires additional, physical constraints to finalize cell differentiation. Constraints belong to two classes: holonomic (independent of the system's dynamical states, as being established by the space‐time geometry of the field) and non‐holonomic (modified during those biological processes to which they contribute in shaping). This latter kind of "constraints", in which dynamics works on the constraint to recreate them, have emerged as critical determinants of self‐organizing systems, by manifesting a "closure of constraints." Overall, the constraints act by harnessing the "randomness" represented by the simultaneous presence of equiprobable events restraining the system within one attractor. These results cast doubt on the mainstream scientific concept and call for a better understanding of causation in cell biology. Abstract : The genotype does not determine by itself the phenotype but requires additional, physical constraints to finalize cell differentiation. Holonomic (independent of the system's dynamical states) and non‐holonomic (modified during those biological processes to which they contribute in shaping) constraints act by harnessing the "randomness" represented by equiprobable events restraining the system within one attractor.