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Updated: Jul 11, 2025
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Author Spotlight: Manipulating Signaling in Zebrafish Embryos to Decode Cell Fate Decisions
Published on: October 27, 2023
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Optimal control of gene regulatory networks for morphogen-driven tissue patterning
Alberto Pezzotta1, James Briscoe2
1Developmental Dynamics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, NW1 1AT London, UK; Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, University College London, 25 Howland Street, W1T 4JG London, UK.
Cell Systems
|November 16, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a new framework using optimal control theory to explain how morphogen gradients guide cell development. It reveals how cells achieve precise cell-fate decisions despite biological variability.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Systems biology
- Computational biology
Background:
- Cell-type generation relies on spatial gene expression patterns, often guided by morphogen gradients.
- The French Flag model explains morphogen concentration instructing cell fates, but limitations exist regarding dynamic conditions and feedback loops.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an alternative framework for understanding morphogen-driven patterning using optimal control theory.
- To investigate how intracellular signaling acts as a control strategy for cell-fate decisions.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel framework based on optimal control theory.
- Modeled intracellular signaling as a control strategy to minimize signaling levels and time.
Main Results:
- The optimal control framework explains key aspects of experimentally observed patterning strategies.
- The model provides insights into how timely and precise cell-fate decisions are achieved.
Conclusions:
- Optimal control theory offers a powerful lens for understanding morphogen-driven patterning.
- This framework elucidates design principles for robust and reproducible developmental processes.
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