Discrete gene replication events drive coupling between the cell cycle and circadian clocks

Synopsis

Abstract:

Synchronization of different activities is an essential task for organisms. While mechanical coupling is well studied and easily observed, the details of how biological systems overcome inherent noise to fine tune themselves to each other are not completely understood. A relevant example is the circadian clock and the cell cycle which have been found to cross-regulate each other’s functioning.

In this discussion I will go over a paper that uses mathematical modeling and available gene replication data to support the idea that periodicity in fluctuating protein levels during the cell cycle drives the circadian clock. Significantly, the cell’s circadian clock is also protected from impairment due to this feedback through specific mechanisms.

Paper by Joris Paijmans et. al. PNAS 113.15 (2016): 4063-4068.