Non-linear Dynamics in Transcriptional Regulation: Biological Logic Gates

Gene expression relies on the interaction of numerous transcriptional signals at the promoter to elicit a response-to read or not to read the genomic code, and if read, the strength of the read. The interplay of transcription factors can be viewed as nonlinear dynamics underlying the biological complexity. Here we analyse the regulation of the cyclooxygenase 2 promoter by NF-kappa B using thermostatistical and quantitative kinetic modelling and propose the presence of a genetic Boolean AND logic gate controlling the differential expression of cyclooxygenase 2 among species.