Mathematical Modeling of Gene Regulatory Networks in Xenopus Development

Mathematical modeling has become increasingly indispensable for scientists who study the dynamics of gene regulatory networks (GRN) that underlie cell differentiation and pattern formation in animal development including Xenopus embryogenesis. Here I outline a step-by-step procedure for constructing a mathematical model of GRN based on ordinary differential equations (ODE), using the network of Activin and its downstream target genes Xenopus Brachyury (Xbra ) and Goosecoid (Gsc ) as an example. I also briefly explain methods to analyse the dynamics described by an ODE model.