Evolving Boolean Regulatory Networks with Epigenetic Control

TL;DR

This paper investigates how epigenetic control mechanisms, inspired by DNA methylation, can be evolved and inherited in Boolean regulatory networks, highlighting their potential role in biological regulation.

Contribution

It introduces a tunable Boolean network model to study epigenetic control and demonstrates its evolution and inheritance without fitness loss.

Findings

Epigenetic control can be selected for through simulated evolution.

Inherited epigenetic states do not impair organism fitness.

DNA methylation-inspired mechanisms influence gene regulation dynamics.

Abstract

The significant role of epigenetic mechanisms within natural systems has become increasingly clear. This paper uses a recently presented abstract, tunable Boolean genetic regulatory network model to explore aspects of epigenetics. It is shown how dynamically controlling transcription via a DNA methylation-inspired mechanism can be selected for by simulated evolution under various single and multiple cell scenarios. Further, it is shown that the effects of such control can be inherited without detriment to fitness.