Genetically identical populations of mammalian cells can demonstrate inherent heterogeneity in gene expression and consequent functional behavior. This non-genetic heterogeneity can emerge due to stochasticity in gene expression, plasticity emerging due to gene regulatory networks, and the epigenetic state of cells. The non-genetic heterogeneity of cells can determine cell fate decision and differential response and adaptation to varying environmental conditions. Non-genetic heterogeneity of stromal and tissue resident stem cells are also known to play an important role in development, cancer, and infectious diseases. Thus, non-genetic heterogeneity is emerging as a major player in mediating resistance to existing therapies.
In this Research Topic, we aim to assemble a collection of manuscripts that address the following important questions: Why and how does non-genetic resistance occur? What is the major source of non-genetic heterogeneity, and what is its role in homeostasis and pathobiology?
We welcome contributions in the form of Original Research, Brief Research Report, Systematic Review, Review, Mini Review, Methods, Hypothesis and Theory, Perspective, Case Report, Data Report, Opinion, and Technology and Code that cover the following themes:
• Non-genetic heterogeneity in development
• Non-genetic heterogeneity in cancer and inflammation
• Role of transcriptional and epigenetic plasticity in non-genetic heterogeneity
• Single-cell RNA-sequencing
• Single-cell imaging
• Stromal non-genetic heterogeneity
• Mathematical modelling of gene networks enabling non-genetic heterogeneity
Genetically identical populations of mammalian cells can demonstrate inherent heterogeneity in gene expression and consequent functional behavior. This non-genetic heterogeneity can emerge due to stochasticity in gene expression, plasticity emerging due to gene regulatory networks, and the epigenetic state of cells. The non-genetic heterogeneity of cells can determine cell fate decision and differential response and adaptation to varying environmental conditions. Non-genetic heterogeneity of stromal and tissue resident stem cells are also known to play an important role in development, cancer, and infectious diseases. Thus, non-genetic heterogeneity is emerging as a major player in mediating resistance to existing therapies.
In this Research Topic, we aim to assemble a collection of manuscripts that address the following important questions: Why and how does non-genetic resistance occur? What is the major source of non-genetic heterogeneity, and what is its role in homeostasis and pathobiology?
We welcome contributions in the form of Original Research, Brief Research Report, Systematic Review, Review, Mini Review, Methods, Hypothesis and Theory, Perspective, Case Report, Data Report, Opinion, and Technology and Code that cover the following themes:
• Non-genetic heterogeneity in development
• Non-genetic heterogeneity in cancer and inflammation
• Role of transcriptional and epigenetic plasticity in non-genetic heterogeneity
• Single-cell RNA-sequencing
• Single-cell imaging
• Stromal non-genetic heterogeneity
• Mathematical modelling of gene networks enabling non-genetic heterogeneity
