Fast synchronization of ultradian oscillators controlled by delta-notch signaling with cis-inhibition.

ABSTRACT: While it is known that a large fraction of vertebrate genes are under the control of a gene regulatory network (GRN) forming a clock with circadian periodicity, shorter period oscillatory genes like the Hairy-enhancer-of split (Hes) genes are discussed mostly in connection with the embryonic process of somitogenesis. They form the core of the somitogenesis-clock, which orchestrates the periodic separation of somites from the presomitic mesoderm (PSM). The formation of sharp boundaries between the blocks of many cells works only when the oscillators in the cells forming the boundary are synchronized. It has been shown experimentally that Delta-Notch (D/N) signaling is responsible for this synchronization. This process has to happen rather fast as a cell experiences at most five oscillations

SUBMITTER: Tiedemann HB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4196275 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature