Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Transcriptional and translational inhibition are fundamental regulatory mechanisms in gene networks, governing diverse processes from viral replication to neuroplasticity. Two-component genetic oscillators based on the “activator–repressor” motif serve as ideal models for studying biological rhythms due to their simplicity and rich dynamics. However, systematic theoretical comparisons of distinct inhibitory mechanisms—particularly using inhibition strength as a control variable—remain lacking. Addressing this gap, we present a comprehensive bifurcation analysis of the post-translational repression model, proving the existence and uniqueness of its positive equilibrium, deriving Hopf bifurcation conditions, and identifying critical parameter ranges for sustained oscillations. Using inhibition strength as a key comparator, we systematically contrast transcriptional and post-translational repression, elucidating how different inhibitory mechanisms modulate oscillation initiation and amplitude. We further reveal distinct symmetry–asymmetry patterns in their bifurcation dynamics: transcriptional repression exhibits asymmetric bistable regimes, while post-translational repression manifests narrow, nearly symmetric oscillatory intervals. This unified analytical framework not only advances the theoretical understanding of two-component genetic oscillators but also provides a generalizable paradigm for dissecting complex gene regulatory dynamics.
Source: Symmetry
DOI: 10.3390/sym18040697
Authors: Yuanhao Wu, Renbao Li, Chunyan Gao
Institution: Jiangsu University of Science and Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
Awards: G2319208458, G3495315839, G5552839279
OpenAlex ID: W7155221535