English

Stem Cell Networks

Other Quantitative Biology 2016-07-18 v1

Abstract

We present a general computational theory of stem cell networks and their developmental dynamics. Stem cell networks are special cases of developmental control networks. Our theory generates a natural classification of all possible stem cell networks based on their network architecture. Each stem cell network has a unique topology and semantics and developmental dynamics that result in distinct phenotypes. We show that the ideal growth dynamics of multicellular systems generated by stem cell networks have mathematical properties related to the coefficients of Pascal's Triangle. The relationship to cancer stem cells and their control networks is indicated. The theory lays the foundation for a new research paradigm for understanding and investigating stem cells. The theory of stem cell networks implies that new methods for generating and controlling stem cells will become possible.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1607.04502,
  title  = {Stem Cell Networks},
  author = {Eric Werner},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1607.04502},
  year   = {2016}
}

Comments

46 pages. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1110.5865

R2 v1 2026-06-22T14:55:45.939Z