What foundational process did Hall and Rosbash establish regarding the PER protein expression?
A negative feedback loop where PER protein regulates its own expression.
Jeffrey C. Hall and Michael Rosbash made a foundational contribution by detailing the molecular mechanism implemented by the *per* gene product, the PER protein. They established that this mechanism operates as a negative feedback loop. This involves the PER protein accumulating during the daylight hours. As the concentration of PER protein increases, it eventually acts to inhibit or turn off the production of its own messenger RNA or protein synthesis. As the day ends and night progresses, the accumulated PER protein breaks down, which relieves the inhibition, allowing the gene to begin expressing new protein, thus resetting the cycle to commence again. This self-regulating oscillation ensures the rhythm is self-sustaining and lasts approximately 24 hours.
#Videos
Dr. Joseph Takahashi: Circadian Revelations - YouTube