Ruben Perez-Carrasco

Unlocking the dynamics of gene regulatory networks: Beyond the steady-state paradigm

Dynamical systems theory has served as a cornerstone to explore cellular behavior controlled by gene regulatory mechanisms. By representing the regulatory process through systems of coupled differential equations, we've gained insights into the spectrum of potential cell states defined by their steady states. However, this perspective often overlooks the critical roles of transient dynamics that are pivotal for different biological functions. In this talk, I will delve into two case studies highlighting the significance of transient dynamics and what mathematical tools can we use to explore them. First I will discuss the process of tissue patterning driven by morphogen gradients, where intrinsic noise controls the shape and precision of the patterm. Then, I will present a recent study in which we examined inter-species variations in embryonic developmental timing, where the same network can give raise to same cellular states but at different speeds.