Exploring the Evolution of Modularity in Gene Regulatory Networks

Modularity has been observed in biological systems of all shapes and sizes. Intuitively, we recognize that this component-based structure can increase efficiency and robustness in a system. Gene regulatory networks are a perfect example of a biological system that exhibits modularity, however, just how this modularity evolved is still unresolved. The research of Espinosa-Soto and Wagner supports the hypothesis the modularity observed in biological gene regulatory networks evolved as a result of specialization in gene activity (Espinosa-Soto & Wagner, 2010). By manipulating the implementation of their research we may further explore the conditions that drive the evolution of modularity. Specifically, this study explores how the robustness of a network and use of biased mutation may influence how modularity is evolved in gene regulatory networks