Dynamics of molecular networks and developmental landscapes during stem cell differentiation

Gene regulation networks coordinate and control cellular behaviour throughout life. Over the course of development of multicellular organisms these networks change profoundly and in a highly controlled manner. Here I will discuss information theoretical approaches that allow us to infer aspects of these networks and how they change over development. I will discuss the improved insights that result from the application of suitable multivariate information measures.

I will then discuss the dynamical processes underlying the changes in gene regulation networks, and link these to a popular graphical representation of developmental and stem cell differentiation processes, the Waddington landscape model.