Jorge Marcelo Araus Patiño1, Helena Groot2, and Andres Fernando Gonzalez Barrios1.
(1) Chemical Engineering and Biology, Grupo de Diseño de Productos y
procesos, Universidad de los Andes, Carrera 1a este No. 19 A 40 7°
piso, Edificio Mario Laserna, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá,
Colombia, (2) Biology, Universidad de los Andes, Cra 1A No. 18A-10,
Universidad de los Andes Oficina M201, Bogotá, Colombia
Biological processes such as
development can now be molecularly analyzed through genetic regulatory
networks (GRN). In the present study we have generated a GRN comprising
the process by which neural crest stem cells develops to two types of
sensory neurons (Propioceptors and Nocioceptors). We have also been
able to find recurrent patterns of regulation (motifs) that act
coordinately to control such process. The results indicate that these
motifs occur in similar stages found in the development of erythrocytes
from hematopoietic stem cells. The GRN developed is made up of
transduction signals, general and specific transcription factors and
genes that confer the specific phenotype. The GRN is also suitable for
modeling with an appropriate algorithm. Regarding its complexity we
then used Classic Boolean Networks (CBN) for this purpose. The model
showed key components, as well as the dynamic of the network through
changes in initial conditions. The results show that these systems
reach attractors of length two and have sense molecularly and
morphologically. Finally, the motifs were reflected in the model,
suggesting insights for further studies.