Boolean networks with veto functions

Abstract

Boolean networks are discrete dynamical systems for modeling regulation and signaling in living cells. We investigate a particular class of Boolean functions with inhibiting inputs exerting a veto (forced zero) on the output. We give analytical expressions for the sensitivity of these functions and provide evidence for their role in natural systems. In an intracellular signal transduction network [Helikar et al., PNAS (2008)], the functions with veto are over-represented by a factor exceeding the over-representation of threshold functions and canalyzing functions in the same system. In Boolean networks for control of the yeast cell cycle [Fangting Li et al., PNAS (2004), Davidich et al., PLoS One (2009)], none or minimal changes to the wiring diagrams are necessary to formulate their dynamics in terms of the veto functions introduced here.

7 pages, 3 figures, 3 tables, v2: minor revision

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Cited by in corpus (5)

• Relative Stability of Network States in Boolean Network Models of Gene Regulation in Development
• Effect of memory in non-Markovian Boolean networks
• Compensatory interactions to stabilize multiple steady states or mitigate the effects of multiple deregulations in biological networks
• Interplay between degree and Boolean rules in the stability of Boolean networks
• Dynamics of attractor transitions in Boolean networks under noise