PERIOD–TIMELESS interval timer may require an additional feedback loop
2007
Drosophila Circadian Rhythms and Feedback Loops
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Kuczenski Robert S, Hong Kevin C, García-Ojalvo Jordi, Lee Kelvin H
Primary Institution: Cornell University
Hypothesis
Does the PERIOD–TIMELESS interval timer require an additional feedback loop for accurate circadian rhythmicity?
Conclusion
The study suggests that an additional feedback loop is necessary for the accurate functioning of the circadian clock in Drosophila.
Supporting Evidence
- The model produced results consistent with wild-type and mutant experimental observations.
- An additional feedback loop was shown to improve the accuracy of the circadian model.
- Results suggest several novel genes and interactions to be tested experimentally.
Takeaway
This study looks at how fruit flies keep track of time and suggests that they might need an extra step to do it right.
Methodology
Mathematical modeling of Drosophila circadian rhythms was used to explore the mechanisms of the PERIOD–TIMELESS interaction.
Limitations
The model may not account for all regulatory structures affecting the circadian clock.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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