Canalization as a stabilizing principle of gene regulatory networks: a discrete dynamical systems perspective
Abstract
Gene regulatory networks exhibit remarkable stability, maintaining functional phenotypes despite genetic and environmental perturbations. Discrete dynamical models, such as Boolean networks, provide systems biologists with a tractable framework to explore the mathematical underpinnings of this robustness. A key mechanism conferring stability is canalization. This perspective synthesizes historical insights, formal definitions of canalization in discrete dynamical models, quantitative measures of stability, and emerging challenges at the interface of theory and experiment.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Gene Regulatory Network Analysis
Mathematical Biology Tumor Growth
Molecular Communication and Nanonetworks
Publication details
- Journal / source
- npj Systems Biology and Applications
- Publisher
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC
- Volume
- 12
- Issue
- 1
- Publication date
- 24 January 2026
- Language
- EN