Versatile system cores as a conceptual basis for generality in cell and developmental biology

Area of Science:

• * Developmental biology
• * Systems biology
• * Evolutionary biology

Background:

• * Biology faces a challenge in generating conceptual progress despite rapid data acquisition.
• * Existing conceptual frameworks may not adequately support meaningful generalizations across diverse biological systems.
• * Understanding the complexity and diversity of cellular and developmental systems remains a key biological aim.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To introduce the core and periphery (C&P) hypothesis as a novel conceptual framework.
• * To propose a model for decomposing biological systems into versatile cores and specific peripheries.
• * To explore the potential of the C&P hypothesis to drive conceptual progress in mesoscale biology.

Main Methods:

• * Conceptual framework development.
• * Analysis of existing biological examples across multiple scales.
• * Exploration of evolutionary underpinnings.

Main Results:

• * The core and periphery (C&P) hypothesis posits that biological systems comprise a versatile core and a specific periphery.
• * Versatile cores are broadly reused, facilitating generalization in biological theories.
• * Examples illustrate the C&P hypothesis in Turing patterning, actomyosin dynamics, morphogenesis, and gastrulation.

Conclusions:

• * The C&P hypothesis offers a new lens for understanding biological complexity and diversity.
• * This framework has the potential to unify diverse biological phenomena.
• * Further research into the C&P hypothesis could unlock new conceptual advancements in mesoscale biology.