11 Dec 2020
Daniel Forger
Department of Mathematics
University of Michigan
Intracellular circadian (daily) clocks control many physiological processes. These clocks are composed of biochemical feedback loops which generate near 24-hour oscillations. I will discuss biochemical mechanisms that sustain oscillations in these feedback loops and keep the period tightly regulated. I will first focus on our mathematical modeling and analysis that discovered these mechanisms, and then review recent experiments testing these mechanisms. Particular focus will be on the role of the "black widow" transcription regulation model and a phosphorylation switch regulated by Casein Kinase 1. Considering these mechanisms in different species suggests how clocks have evolved.