Figure 7. Random monoallelic expression (RME) effects may resolve chromatin conformation incompatibilities in the genome, allowing the activation of diverse gene regulatory networks across a cell population.

A schematic representation of a chromatin incompatibility that influences the cellular expression of two genes is shown. Gene 1 and gene 2 compete for a particular chromatin state for their expression. ( A) In the absence of RME effects, only one gene can win and is expressed in a biallelic manner in a cell. ( B) However, if RME effects are present, then different chromatin structures can form on each allele to resolve the incompatibility and permit the simultaneous expression of both genes in the same cell. This model of RME effects implies that these effects may function to allow cells in a population access to diverse potential gene regulatory networks, thereby further contributing to cellular plasticity.