Topic: Biology

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found a master clock that controls biological growth and development in the tiny worm C. elegans. This discovery reveals how cells keep growth and development on schedule by coordinating bursts of gene activity.

Imagine a train sitting at a station, ready to depart. But if the engineer's watch has stopped working, the train never leaves the station. Similarly, inside living cells, a timing system controls development. If this system fails, an organism may not progress through its stages of growth.

Scientists have now identified what appears to be a master developmental clock in C. elegans. This discovery reveals how cells keep growth and development on schedule by coordinating bursts of gene activity.

The research team found that two proteins, MYRF-1 and LIN-42, form a feedback circuit that serves as the worm genome's central developmental clock. Together, they determine when each pulse of gene expression begins and how long it lasts.

According to the researchers, this is the first example of a non-repeating biological clock of its kind. "This is the central clock for all cells in the worm," explains Professor Christopher Hammell. "It's responsible for coordinating a finite series of sequential pulses of gene expression that must occur only once, and in order, for proper developmental progression."

Why It Matters

Understanding how developmental clocks operate could provide important insights into cellular growth, differentiation, and the progression of tissues and organs. This research may also help scientists better understand developmental disorders and certain genetic diseases.

Key Facts

• Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered a master clock that controls biological growth and development in C. elegans.
• The master clock is formed by two proteins, MYRF-1 and LIN-42, which work together to determine when each pulse of gene expression begins and how long it lasts.
• This discovery reveals how cells keep growth and development on schedule by coordinating bursts of gene activity.
• The research team found that blocking MYRF-1 causes the entire developmental program to break down.
• Understanding developmental clocks could provide insights into cellular growth, differentiation, and the progression of tissues and organs.

Key Terms

MYRF-1

A protein that acts as a trigger for each stage of development and is required for the checkpoint that marks its completion.

Implications

Understanding how developmental clocks operate could provide important insights into cellular growth, differentiation, and the progression of tissues and organs. This research may also help scientists better understand developmental disorders and certain genetic diseases.