Control of Directed Differentiation by Parameter Perturbations

Directed differentiation is the process which selectively induce differentiation of stem cells toward definitive cells, but how directed differentiation occurs when stem cells confront the external cues has not been established theoretically. We demonstrate here directed differentiation of a simplified two-component network by using systematic parameter perturbations. These methods and results will provide theoretically directive significance for the study of molecular mechanisms underlying cell differentiation, the flexible control of directed differentiation, and the development of novel therapies.