Indeed, 1 A.A. mutation from each of these hotspots dramatically extended the pulsatory response (>18 hrs vs 10s of min), suggesting evolutionary tuning of dynamics.

What about the temperature-sensitive inhibitory Node C? We mapped this to the mysterious “Domain of Unknown Function” (DUF). We still call it DUF even though function is now known :P.

Step-to-pulse response – adaptation – is common in all kinds of networks, often through an incoherent feed-forward loop (IFFL). Node A quickly activates Node B but also —more slowly— Node C, which inhibits Node B. Result: a pulse of B. But how can a single protein do it w/o a larger network?

Why does BcLOV4 turn itself off despite constant light stimulation, and why does this depend on temperature? The answer could make better optogenetic and thermogenetic tools, and itself was a fascinating puzzle.

How can an individual protein show adaptation? The light- and temp-sensitive BcLOV4 gives a pulse of translocation during a step input of light. Answer in our preprint: *intra-molecular* feed-forward regulation. bit.ly/3Rg9veD
A @bugajlab.bsky.social collab with @nmrkaygee.bsky.social 🧵