CycliX

Transcription Regulatory Networks of three Interacting Cycles 

Cyclic regulatory circuits are fundamental building blocks in every organism. CycliX seeks to understand three of these circuits and how they interact: the circadian rhythm, cell division and nutrient-response cycles.

The circadian rhythm cycle involves orchestrated genome regulation depending on a self-sustaining clock that adjusts to day and night conditions. The cell division cycle determines the regeneration of our body, and the nourishment cycle keeps all our different "systems" functioning. The project is committed to understanding in depth each of these three cyclic regulatory mechanisms, finding out what they have in common, and determining how they achieve synchronization.

The global genomic response

The phases of each of these cycles are characterized by genomic states that reflect a response to phase-specific signals. These genomic states set up transcriptional programs that then drive the cycle forward to the next phase. Although each individual cycle has been studied extensively, little is known about the global genomic responses to the cycles and their associated transcriptional regulatory programs, and we know even less about how the three cycle transcription programs interconnect and influence each other. 

Integration and coordination

CycliX aims at a quantitative and comprehensive understanding of the global genomic responses and transcriptional programs that characterize each cycle, with a focus on deciphering how and when these transcription programs intersect at a shared "core" regulatory network to assure proper integration and coordination among the three cycling systems.

Principal Investigator Prof. Nouria Hernandez, Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne
Involved Institutions University of Lausanne, EPF Lausanne, University of Geneva, SIB
Number of Research Groups 9
Project Duration Aug. 2009 - Jul. 2013
Approved SystemsX.ch Funds CHF 4.478 million

Updated September 2012 

Contact

Prof. Nouria Hernandez
Center for Integrative Genomics
University of Lausanne
CH - 1015 Lausanne
phone +41 21 692 39 21
nouria.hernandez(at)unil.ch