  Characterization of the differences between biological and random networks
can reveal the design principles that enable the robust realization of crucial
biological functions including the establishment of different cell types.
Previous studies, focusing on identifying topological features that are present
in biological networks but not in random networks, have, however, provided few
functional insights. We use a Boolean modeling framework and ideas from spin
glass literature to identify functional differences between five real
biological networks and random networks with similar topological features. We
show that minimal frustration is a fundamental property that allows biological
networks to robustly establish cell types and regulate cell fate choice, and
this property can emerge in complex networks via Darwinian evolution. The study
also provides clues regarding how the regulation of cell fate choice can go
awry in a disease like cancer and lead to the emergence of aberrant cell types.
