Integrating Analog and Digital Modes of Gene Expression in Quantitative Regulation

Explore a seminar presentation by Professor Martin Howard from the John Innes Centre in Norwich that delves into the intricate mechanisms of gene expression regulation, specifically focusing on the integration of analog and digital modes. Learn how quantitative gene regulation at the population level can be achieved through two distinct regulatory modes at individual gene copies - a digital mode with binary ON/OFF states and an analog mode with graded expression levels. Discover groundbreaking research on the Arabidopsis floral repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), where both analog and digital modes work in temporal succession to regulate gene expression. Understand how quantitative fluorescent imaging and mathematical modeling reveal the complex interplay between these modes, with analog regulation preceding digital switching. Examine how transcription strength governs the timing of the digital switch, with high transcription preventing switching while low levels enable rapid transitions. Gain insights into this novel paradigm for gradual repression that demonstrates the sophisticated integration of analog transcriptional control and digital epigenetic memory pathways.