Simple post-translational circadian clock models from selective sequestration

Abstract: It is possible that there are post-translational circadian oscillators that continue functioning in the absence of negative feedback transcriptional repression in many cell types from diverse organisms. Apart from the KaiABC system from cyanobacteria, the molecular components and interactions required to create in-vitro ("test-tube") circadian oscillations in different cell types are currently unknown. Inspired by the KaiABC system, I provide "proof-of-principle" mathematical models that a protein with 2 (or more) modification sites which selectively sequesters an effector/cofactor molecule can function as a circadian time-keeper. The 2-site mechanism can be implemented using two relatively simple coupled non-linear ODEs in terms of site occupancy; the models do not require overly special fine-tuning of parameters for generating stable limit cycle oscillations.