溯经典之源，探交叉之本。与我们共赴物理生物学经典读书会（Physical Biology Journal Club），回到伟大思想诞生的现场！
Topic: Nonlinear Dynamics of Epigenetic Memory (I): Bifurcations and Self-Tuning
Speaker: Yihao LIN, PhD Student, Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, Westlake University
Time: 16:00-17:30, Thursday, November 12, 2026
Venue: E14-326, Research Center, Westlake University
Reference:
[1] Qian, H., Ao, P., Tu, Y. & Wang, J. A framework towards understanding mesoscopic phenomena: Emergent unpredictability, symmetry breaking and dynamics across scales. Chem. Phys. Lett. 665, 153–161 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cplett.2016.10.059
[2] Karin, O., Miska, E. A. & Simons, B. D. Epigenetic inheritance of gene silencing is maintained by a self-tuning mechanism based on resource competition. Cell Syst. 14, 24–40.e11 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cels.2022.12.003
Key Words: Nonlinear Dynamics, Epigenetic Memory, Saddle-node Bifurcation, Criticality, Self-tuning
Abstract: Epigenetic memory allows gene expression states to persist beyond the environmental or developmental signals that establish them. However, inappropriate or excessively persistent gene silencing can interfere with essential gene expression and limit adaptation to changing conditions. How can biochemical networks establish and robustly regulate appropriate timescales of epigenetic memory? In the first session of this two-part series, we will introduce fundamental concepts of nonlinear dynamics, including fixed points, stability, phase portraits, and saddle-node bifurcations. Using the study of transgenerational gene silencing by Karin et al. (2023), we will explore how feedback between small RNAs and chromatin marks gives rise to distinct dynamical regimes, and how competition for shared molecular resources can self-tune the system near a transition to bistability, allowing robust regulation of epigenetic memory duration.
读书会简介：物理生物学读书会由西湖大学交叉科学中心（CIS）师生共同发起，每周四在轻松自由的氛围中，深入研读物理生物学领域的经典文献，通过追本溯源，激发思想碰撞，促进跨学科交流与合作。
发起人：钱紘，徐小婵
主讲人：以博士后和博士生为核心，全员开放！我们热忱欢迎每一位希望分享的主讲人。
参与成员：欢迎全校所有对物理生物学等交叉领域有浓厚兴趣的师生加入。
地点：科研中心 E14-326 或 E14-349 会议室
形式：读书会每周聚焦物理生物学领域的一篇经典论文或书籍章节，通过主讲人领读与集体讨论，理解相关领域的核心概念、理论与模型，系统梳理该领域的基础知识、核心问题与研究范式。
Overview: The Physical Biology Journal Club is a weekly Friday lunchtime event hosted by the faculty and students of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies (CIS). Our goal is to help everyone learn about how key concepts and groundbreaking discoveries have shaped and inspired the entire research fields. Through lively, in-depth discussion of classic physical biology papers and books, we explore the history, foundational principles, research methodologies, and the remarkable stories of the scientists behind them. Join us to connect with the roots of physical biology and spark ideas in a welcoming environment.
Organizers: Hong Qian, Xiaochan Xu
Speaker: Led by postdocs & PhDs, and everyone can be a host!
Audience: All with a strong interest in physical biology are warmly welcomed.
Venue: E14-326 or E14-349, Research Center, Westlake University
Contact Information
Ms. Shujie Du (杜舒节), dushujie@westlake.edu.cn, Center for Interdisciplinary Studies (CIS)
