A simple negative interaction in the positive transcriptional feedback of a single gene is sufficient to produce reliable oscillations.

ABSTRACT: Negative and positive transcriptional feedback loops are present in natural and synthetic genetic oscillators. A single gene with negative transcriptional feedback needs a time delay and sufficiently strong nonlinearity in the transmission of the feedback signal in order to produce biochemical rhythms. A single gene with only positive transcriptional feedback does not produce oscillations. Here, we demonstrate that this single-gene network in conjunction with a simple negative interaction can also easily produce rhythms. We examine a model comprised of two well-differentiated parts. The first is a positive feedback created by a protein that binds to the promoter of its own gene and activates the transcription. The second is a negative interaction in which a repressor molecule prevents this

SUBMITTER: Miro-Bueno JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3244268 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature