A proposal regarding the mechanism which underlies lineage choice during hematopoietic differentiation

Abstract 

We present a simple Boolean Network model of a genetic regulatory network which can account for the differentiation of hemopoietic cells. In this model while decision choice is stochastic, the probability of differentiating along a specific pathway is determined by the gene expression state of the cell when the signal to differentiate appears. This probability can be altered by the acute and chronic needs of the individual. Mutations disrupt normal maturation. The paper also presents a larger Boolean Network model which can be used to study normal and leukemic stem cell attractor states.

Keywords:  Hemopoiesis, Boolean Networks, Attractors

Abbreviations:  AML, acute myelogenous leukemia, CML, chronic myelogenous leukemia