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Updated: Jan 1, 2026
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Polysome Fractionation and Analysis of Mammalian Translatomes on a Genome-wide Scale
Published on: May 17, 2014
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Translational control of gene expression via interacting feedback loops
Liang Wang1, M Carmen Romano2, Fordyce A Davidson1
1Division of Mathematics, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, United Kingdom.
Physical Review. E
|December 25, 2019
Summary
Cells use complex feedback loops to control protein synthesis dynamics. This mathematical model reveals novel regulatory mechanisms like oscillations and bistability, expanding our understanding of cellular control.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Systems Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Protein synthesis is a fundamental cellular process.
- Cells employ sophisticated regulatory mechanisms to control protein production.
- Understanding these controls is crucial for comprehending cellular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how interacting feedback loops regulate protein translation.
- To explore the diverse dynamics of protein synthesis.
- To reveal previously unappreciated cellular control mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Development of a multicomponent mathematical framework.
- Modeling of feedback loop interactions in translation.
- Analysis of resulting protein synthesis dynamics.
Main Results:
- Interacting feedback loops generate a wide spectrum of protein synthesis dynamics.
- Observed dynamics include oscillations, step changes, and bistability.
- The interplay of feedback loops offers a richer control repertoire than previously known.
Conclusions:
- Protein translation is regulated by complex, interacting feedback loops.
- These regulatory networks enable diverse cellular behaviors.
- Cells possess a more extensive toolkit for controlling protein synthesis than currently understood.
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