Oscillatory Gene Expression During Cell Differentiation

Both the levels and duration of gene expression play critical roles in many biological processes. Recent studies have further revealed that the dynamics of oscillatory versus sustained gene expression also provide essential regulatory information during cell proliferation and differentiation. Oscillatory expression, governed by intracellular negative feedback loops and intercellular coupling with appropriate delays, promotes the proliferation of stem cells, whereas sustained expression typically drives cells toward quiescence or differentiation. Over time, oscillations can result in the gradual upregulation or downregulation of downstream factors or shifts in phase relationships between distinct oscillators, thereby functioning as a timer for cell state transition. Moreover, oscillation frequency encodes critical cues for cell fate choice. Thus, oscillatory dynamics add an extra dimension to the informational landscape of gene expression. Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of how oscillatory gene expression is regulated and how it influences the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells.