
Oscillatory gene circuits
Oscillatory gene circuits are systems within cells that enable certain genes to turn on and off in a regular, rhythmic pattern, much like a biological clock. These circuits manage processes such as sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, and cell functions by creating cycles of gene activity that repeat over time. They involve interactions between genes, proteins, and other molecules that reinforce or inhibit each other's activity, generating stable, repeating oscillations. Understanding these circuits helps explain how organisms maintain internal timing and respond dynamically to changes in their environment.