Controlling nonlinear biological system based on network structure. Ciona intestinalis

We have developed a mathematical theory named Linkage Logic, by which key nodes both for observing and controlling dynamics are identified from network structures alone as feedback vertex sets. We applied our theory to a gene regulatory network for cell fate specification of seven tissues in ascidian embryo, and examined whether dynamics of this system is controllable by manipulating activities of key nodes.

我们开发了一套名为连锁逻辑（Linkage Logic）的数学理论，借助该理论可仅通过网络结构识别出兼具观测与动力学控制功能的关键节点，即反馈顶点集（feedback vertex sets）。我们将该理论应用于海鞘胚胎中七种组织的细胞命运特化基因调控网络，并通过操控关键节点的活性，验证了该系统的动力学是否可被调控。