Living cells are known for their capacity for versatile signal processing, particularly the ability to respond differently to the same stimuli using biochemical networks that integrate environmental signals and reconfigure their dynamic responses. However, the complexity of natural biological networks confounds the discovery of fundamental mechanisms behind versatile signaling. Here, we study one specific aspect of reconfigurable signal processing in which a minimal biological network integrates two signals, using one to reconfigure the network’s transfer function with respect to the other, producing an emergent switch between induction and repression. In contrast to known mechanisms, the new mechanism reconfigures transfer functions through genetic networks without extensive protein–protein interactions. These results provide a novel explanation for the versatility of genetic programs, and suggest a new mechanism of signal integration that may govern flexibility and plasticity of gene expression.

中文翻译：

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活细胞可重构的模拟信号处理

活细胞以其多功能信号处理能力而著称，特别是利用整合环境信号并重新配置其动态响应的生化网络对相同刺激做出不同反应的能力。然而，天然生物网络的复杂性混淆了通用信号背后基本机制的发现。在这里，我们研究可重构信号处理的一个特定方面，其中最小的生物网络整合了两个信号，使用一个重构相对于另一个的网络传递函数，从而在感应和抑制之间产生紧急切换。与已知机制相反，新机制通过遗传网络重新配置了转移功能，而没有广泛的蛋白质间相互作用。