How to differentiate truly stochastic gene expression from structured gene expression variability ?

Abstract

International audienceGene expression is classically assessed using RNA-seq quantification. The aim of such experiments is often to compare gene expression levels across different biological conditions. Each condition is typically represented by multiple samples (replicates), which are often composed of pools of biological individuals to better estimate average gene expression levels.Pooling biological individuals can mask inter-individual variations that may nevertheless have biological significance such as observed in bethedging responses. In the case of bet-hedging, a diversified response can be observed between individuals at integrated phenotypic levels, underpinned by molecular regulations that also varies between individuals. However, molecular regulations should remain coherent and structured at the scale of the individual.</div