Synthetic Genetic Oscillators

Abstract

From the cell cycle to the circadian rhythm, oscillations permeate life. However, natural biological oscillations typically emerge from the interaction between a large set of components, and detangling the underlying mechanism of oscillation is a highly nontrivial affair. Synthetic oscillators much more readily provide insight into the basic principles of biological oscillations, with the caveat that one should not expect all of the refined properties present in natural oscillators to emerge from a minimal synthetic system. The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of experimentally realized synthetic oscillators, with an emphasis on the common core design features throughout. The mathematical basis behind the conclusions will not be dwelt upon, as several such reviews exist. Keywords: systems and synthetic biology; biological oscillators; entrainment; ClpXP protease; queuing theory