Time-delayed models of gene regulatory networks

TL;DR

This review explores mathematical models of gene regulatory networks, emphasizing the impact of time delays on network dynamics, especially in cancer development, and compares simplified and full models to identify key differences.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of different modeling approaches and highlights the significance of time delays in gene regulatory network dynamics.

Findings

Time delays significantly affect gene regulatory network behavior.

Comparison between reduced and full models reveals key dynamical differences.

Open problems in modeling gene regulatory networks are discussed.

Abstract

In this review we discuss different mathematical models of gene regulatory networks as relevant to the onset and development of cancer. After discussion of alternative modelling approaches, we use a paradigmatic two-gene network to focus on the role played by time delays in the dynamics of gene regulatory networks. We contrast the dynamics of the reduced model arising in the limit of fast mRNA dynamics with that of the full model. The review concludes with the discussion of some open problems.