The role of adiponectin in the regulation of hypothalamic circadian rhythms

Endogenous circadian clocks regulate physiology and behaviour along the 24-h day cycle. The circadian system and energy metabolism are tightly coupled. Central and peripheral circadian clocks coordinate key metabolic processes and the 24-h rhythms of food intake and energy expenditure. On the other hand, metabolic state can reset circadian rhythms in the periphery and the central nervous system - and in this way adapt physiological functions. The mechanisms of this metabolism-clock feedback will be studied in this project. We will use different transgenic mouse models to analyse the effect of adipose tissue-derived signals on circadian physiological and behavioural rhythms and clocks in energy metabolism-regulatory centres of the hypothalamus.