Summary of the science
During our growth and development, our bodies need to make important decisions at different times. Genes are like instructions that tell our cells what to do. Sometimes, these instructions can change or vary, and this is called gene expression fluctuation. To control these fluctuations, our cells have developed clever mechanisms. One such mechanism involves the use of tiny molecules called microRNAs. MicroRNAs can act like "dimmer switches" for genes, helping to regulate whether they are turned on or off. MicroRNAs ensure that the right genes are expressed at the right time and in the right amounts, leading to proper development and growth.
About the research
Gene expression fluctuations during development are controlled through the use of gene networks and regulatory mechanisms. The lab, led by the Van Oudenaarden group, employs experimental, computational, and theoretical approaches to study decision-making in single cells, focusing on developmental and stem cell biology. They investigate how cells utilise these gene networks to make robust decisions despite fluctuations in gene expression. Furthermore, they study the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in repressing gene expression and stabilising it during stress and developmental transitions. The lab aims to understand how miRNAs establish thresholds in gene expression and mediate feedback and feedforward loops in gene networks.
About the illustration
The genes that are silenced are indicated by the black circles while the genes that are expressed are in white. To show the complexity and variability and hint towards the computational methods used to analyse gene expression, we decided to show 3 cells at different developmental stages, with different combinations of genes being expressed or silenced in each.