These artificial cells exhibited a rhythmic glow, indicating a stable 24-hour cycle, but disruptions occurred when the number of clock proteins was reduced or the vesicle size was decreased.

This finding underscores the critical relationship between protein concentration and timekeeping, as reducing clock proteins or altering vesicle size halted the rhythmic glow.

According to Professor Subramaniam, the findings provide valuable insights into the core principles of biological timekeeping using synthetic systems.

Overall, the research enhances the understanding of biological timekeeping mechanisms, with implications for studying how different organisms maintain their circadian rhythms.

The findings have the potential to impact how biological clocks operate across various life forms, offering new avenues for exploration in the field.

Researchers at UC Merced have successfully demonstrated that tiny artificial cells, or synthetic vesicles, can maintain a consistent 24-hour fluorescent rhythm for at least four days, mimicking the circadian rhythms found in living organisms.

A computational model developed by the research team revealed that higher concentrations of clock proteins enhance the robustness of the timing mechanism, allowing consistent timekeeping across multiple vesicles despite slight variations in protein levels.

The model also indicated that while certain components of the natural circadian system are essential for synchronizing cell populations, they do not significantly impact the maintenance of individual clocks.

This research offers a novel methodology for understanding biological clocks, particularly in relation to cell size and timing strategies across different organisms.

The study, published in Nature Communications, was led by bioengineering Professor Anand Bala Subramaniam and chemistry Professor Andy LiWang, with Alexander Zhang Tu Li as the first author.

The research was supported by various grants, including National Science Foundation CAREER awards and funding from the National Institutes of Health and Army Research Office, potentially paving the way for new therapeutic approaches for circadian rhythm disorders.

The study also revealed that some clock proteins adhere to vesicle walls, necessitating a high total protein count to ensure optimal function.