Gene Regulatory Networks: Temporal Unfolding and Steady States

This lecture delves into gene regulatory networks, illustrating how interactions between transcription factors and downstream genes can lead to temporal changes in cell behavior. By examining a specific example, the instructor demonstrates how these networks can drive a cell through various gene expression states, ultimately reaching a stable, steady state. The lecture emphasizes the computational perspective of characterizing and simulating these networks using differential equations, highlighting their role in regulating cell functions, differentiation paths, and physiological activities. Furthermore, it discusses the overlapping nature of regulatory networks within cells and the importance of interactions between different lineages and tissues for complex developmental processes.