Potoyan, Davit A.Wolynes, Peter G.2017-12-212017-12-212017Potoyan, Davit A. and Wolynes, Peter G.. "Stochastic dynamics of genetic broadcasting networks." <i>Physical Review E,</i> 96, no. 5 (2017) American Physical Society: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.96.052305.https://hdl.handle.net/1911/98917The complex genetic programs of eukaryotic cells are often regulated by key transcription factors occupying or clearing out of a large number of genomic locations. Orchestrating the residence times of these factors is therefore important for the well organized functioning of a large network. The classic models of genetic switches sidestep this timing issue by assuming the binding of transcription factors to be governed entirely by thermodynamic protein-DNA affinities. Here we show that relying on passive thermodynamics and random release times can lead to a “time-scale crisis” for master genes that broadcast their signals to a large number of binding sites. We demonstrate that this time-scale crisis for clearance in a large broadcasting network can be resolved by actively regulating residence times through molecular stripping. We illustrate these ideas by studying a model of the stochastic dynamics of the genetic network of the central eukaryotic master regulator NFκB which broadcasts its signals to many downstream genes that regulate immune response, apoptosis, etc.engArticle is made available in accordance with the publisher's policy and may be subject to US copyright law. Please refer to the publisher's site for terms of use.Journal articlePhysRevE-96-052305https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.96.052305