Oscillatory expression of Hes family transcription factors: insights from mathematical modelling.
Oscillatory expression of the Hes family of transcription factors plays a central role in the segmentation of the vertebrate body during embryonic development. Analogous oscillations in cultured cells suggest that Hes oscillations may be important in other developmental processes, and provide an excellent opportunity to explore the origin of these oscillations in a relatively simple setting. Mathematical and computational modelling have been used in combination with quantitative mRNA and protein expression data to analyse the origin and properties of Hes oscillations, and have highlighted the important roles played by time delays in negative feedback circuits. In this chapter, we review recent theoretical and experimental results, and discuss how analysis of existing models suggests potential avenues for further study of delayed feedback oscillators.
Momiji
Hiroshi
H
Department of Computer Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
Monk
Nicholas A M
NA
D000818:Animals; D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D001683:Biological Clocks; D047108:Embryonic Development; D025461:Feedback, Physiological; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008433:Mathematics; D008954:Models, Biological; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger