Signaling oscillations: Molecular mechanisms and functional roles

Mounting evidence shows that oscillatory activity is widespread in cell signaling. Here, we review some of this recent evidence, focusing on both the molecular mechanisms that potentially underlie such dynamical behavior, and the potential advantages that signaling oscillations might have in cell function. The biological processes considered include cellular differentiation and tissue maintenance, intermittent responses in pluripotent stem cells, and collective cell migration during wound healing. With the aid of mathematical modeling, we review recent examples in which delayed negative feedback has been seen to act as a unifying principle that underpins this wide variety of phenomena.