Transcription Regulatory Networks of three Interacting Cycles 

Cyclic regulatory circuits are fundamental building blocks in every organism. CycliX seeks to understand three of these circuits and how they interact: the circadian rhythm, cell division and nutrient-response cycles.

The circadian rhythm cycle involves orchestrated genome regulation depending on a self-sustaining clock that adjusts to day and night conditions. The cell division cycle determines the regeneration of our body, and the nourishment cycle keeps all our different "systems" functioning. The project is committed to understanding in depth each of these three cyclic regulatory mechanisms, finding out what they have in common, and determining how they achieve synchronization.

The global genomic response

The phases of each of these cycles are characterized by genomic states that reflect a response to phase-specific signals. These genomic states set up transcriptional programs that then drive the cycle forward to the next phase. Although each individual cycle has been studied extensively, little is known about the global genomic responses to the cycles and their associated transcriptional regulatory programs, and we know even less about how the three cycle transcription programs interconnect and influence each other. 

Integration and coordination

CycliX aims at a quantitative and comprehensive understanding of the global genomic responses and transcriptional programs that characterize each cycle, with a focus on deciphering how and when these transcription programs intersect at a shared "core" regulatory network to assure proper integration and coordination among the three cycling systems.

Updated September 2012