Signaling oscillations: molecular mechanisms and functional roles

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent evidence of oscillatory activity in cell signaling, exploring molecular mechanisms like delayed negative feedback and discussing potential functional advantages in processes such as development and healing.

Contribution

It synthesizes current knowledge on signaling oscillations, emphasizing the role of delayed negative feedback as a unifying principle across diverse biological processes.

Findings

Oscillations are widespread in cell signaling.

Delayed negative feedback underpins signaling oscillations.

Oscillations may confer functional advantages in development and healing.

Abstract

Mounting evidence shows that oscillatory activity is widespread in cell signaling. Here we review some of this recent evidence, focusing on both the molecular mechanisms that potentially underlie such dynamical behavior, and the potential advantages that signaling oscillations might have in cell function. The biological processes considered include tissue maintenance, embryonic development and wound healing. With the aid of mathematical modeling, we show that a common principle, namely delayed negative feedback, underpins this wide variety of phenomena.