Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Hormone Production and Feedback Loops
Published on: October 23, 2025
Weak coupling between intracellular feedback loops explains dissociation of clock gene dynamics
Christoph Schmal1,2,3, Daisuke Ono4, Jihwan Myung5,6,7,8,9
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Japan.
Abstract:
Circadian rhythms are generated by interlocked transcriptional-translational negative feedback loops (TTFLs), the molecular process implemented within a cell. The contributions, weighting and balancing between the multiple feedback loops remain debated. Dissociated, free-running dynamics in the expression of distinct clock genes has been described in recent experimental studies that applied various perturbations such as slice preparations, light pulses, jet-lag, and culture medium exchange. In this paper, we provide evidence that this "presumably transient" dissociation of circadian gene expression oscillations may occur at the single-cell level. Conceptual and detailed mechanistic mathematical modeling suggests that such dissociation is due to a weak interaction between multiple feedback loops present within a single cell. The dissociable loops provide insights into underlying mechanisms and general design principles of the molecular circadian clock.
Related Concept Videos
Feedback Loops
Cell Signaling Feedback Loops
Negative feedback loops
Most signaling systems have negative feedback loops that can perform different functions such as output limiter, and adaptation.
Output limiter
Upon receiving an input signal, the cellular response rapidly increases until a threshold is reached. Beyond this threshold, a negative feedback loop...
Positive and Negative Feedback Loops
10:38Monitoring Cell-autonomous Circadian Clock Rhythms of Gene Expression Using Luciferase Bioluminescence Reporters
Weak Base Solutions
Weak Acid Solutions
