标题： 转录调控的不变非平衡动力学优化信息流 显示英文标题

标题： Invariant non-equilibrium dynamics of transcriptional regulation optimize information flow

摘要： 真核基因调控基于随机但受控的启动子切换，在此过程中，基因在转录活性和非活性状态之间转换。 尽管这一过程具有分子复杂性，但近期研究表明，在不同基因和生物体中，表征启动子活性波动的"切换相关时间"（$T_C$）呈现出令人惊讶的不变性。 对于这种不变性的生物物理合理解释仍然缺失。 在这里，我们表明，这种不变性对最小但合理的转录调控模型施加了严格的约束，要求至少四个系统状态以及打破细致平衡的非平衡动力学。 通过对果蝇间隙基因表达数据进行贝叶斯推断，我们证明此类模型（i）能够准确再现观察到的$T_C$-不变性；（ii）对参数扰动保持鲁棒性；并且（iii）最大化从转录因子浓度到基因表达的信息传递。 这些发现表明，真核基因调控已经进化出在精度与反应速率和能量耗散约束之间取得平衡的机制，倾向于非平衡结构以实现最优的信息传递。 显示英文摘要

摘要： Eukaryotic gene regulation is based on stochastic yet controlled promoter switching, during which genes transition between transcriptionally active and inactive states. Despite the molecular complexity of this process, recent studies reveal a surprising invariance of the "switching correlation time" ($T_C$), which characterizes promoter activity fluctuations, across gene expression levels in diverse genes and organisms. A biophysically plausible explanation for this invariance remains missing. Here, we show that this invariance imposes stringent constraints on minimal yet plausible models of transcriptional regulation, requiring at least four system states and non-equilibrium dynamics that break detailed balance. Using Bayesian inference on Drosophila gap gene expression data, we demonstrate that such models (i) accurately reproduce the observed $T_C$-invariance; (ii) remain robust to parameter perturbations; and (iii) maximize information transmission from transcription factor concentration to gene expression. These findings suggest that eukaryotic gene regulation has evolved to balance precision with reaction rate and energy dissipation constraints, favoring non-equilibrium architectures for optimal information transmission.