Motif statistics of artificially evolved and biological networks

Abstract

Topological features of gene regulatory networks can be successfully reproduced by a model population evolving under selection for short dynamical attractors. The evolved population of networks exhibit motif statistics, summarized by significance profiles, which closely match those of {\it E. coli, S. cerevsiae} and {\it B. subtilis}, in such features as the excess of linear motifs and feed-forward loops, and deficiency of feedback loops. The slow relaxation to stasis is a hallmark of a rugged fitness landscape, with independently evolving populations exploring distinct valleys strongly differing in network properties.7 pages, 9 figures to be published in Physical Review E