A developmental clock with a checkpoint function

C. elegans larva on a gene expression heatmap of the oscillating genes The group of Helge Grosshans characterized the " C. elegans oscillator", over 3,700 genes that are rhythmically expressed during the larval development of C. elegans . They demonstrated the coupling of the oscillator with molting and got insights into how it is wired. Their findings suggest that the oscillator functions as a developmental clock with a developmental checkpoint function. Gene expression oscillations - meaning the rhythmic expression of genes - occur in many biological systems. They are well-suited for time-keeping, acting as 'molecular clocks' that control repetitive processes. For example, gene expression oscillations underlie the circadian clocks that regulate the daily sleep-wake cycle of animals. 'Developmental clocks' similarly utilize gene expression oscillations to synchronize processes in tissue and organ development.