Reconstruction of dynamic regulatory networks reveals signaling-induced topology changes associated with germ layer specification

Abstract

Elucidating regulatory relationships between transcription factors (TFs) and target genes is fundamental to understanding how cells control their identity and behavior. Computational gene regulatory network (GRN) reconstruction methods aim to map this control by inferring relationships from transcriptomic data. Unfortunately, existing methods are imprecise, may be computationally burdensome, and do not illustrate how networks transition from one topology to another. Here we present Epoch, a computational network reconstruction tool that leverages single cell transcriptomics to infer dynamic network structures. Epoch performs favorably when benchmarked on reconstruction of synthetically generated, in vivo, and in vitro data. To illustrate the usefulness of Epoch, we used it to identify the dynamic networks underpinning directed differentiation of mouse ESC guided by multiple primitive streak induction treatments. Our analysis demonstrates that modulating signaling pathways drives topological network changes that shape cell fate potential. We also find that Peg3 is a central contributor to the rewiring of the pluripotency network to favor mesoderm specification. By integrating signaling pathways with GRN structures, we traced how Wnt activation and PI3K suppression govern mesoderm and endoderm specification, respectively. The methods presented here are available in the R package Epoch, and provide a foundation for future work in understanding the biological implications of dynamic regulatory structures.