Restoration of circadian rhythmicity in circadian clock-deficient mice in constant light

Diya Abraham, Robert Dallmann, Stephan Steinlechner, Urs Albrecht, Gregor Eichele, Henrik Oster*

*Corresponding author for this work
24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In mammals, circadian rhythms in behavior and physiology are controlled by a central pacemaker, the SCN, and subordinated clocks throughout the body. On the molecular level, these clocks are based on transcriptional/ translational feedback loops involving a set of clock genes that regulate their own transcription. Among the components driving the mammalian circadian clock are the Period 1 and 2 (Per1 and Per2) and Cryptochrome 1 and 2 (Cry1 and Cry2) genes. In the present study, the authors characterize the behavioral and molecular rhythms of Per2/Cry1 double mutant mice under 3 different lighting conditions. In an LD cycle, the activity of these animals is masked by light, while in DD, the mutants lose circadian rhythmicity but exhibit strong ultradian rhythms. In LL of higher intensity, circadian rhythms are restored on the behavioral level with a drastically shortened endogenous period. Furthermore, both in the SCN and in the periphery, clock gene rhythms are restored. Based on these observations and also on the fact that light-mediated induction of Per gene expression is preserved in these mutants, the authors propose a mechanism by which endogenous ultradian rhythms may relay timed light exposure to the SCN, leading to a reinitiation of self-sustained circadian rhythms in LL.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Biological Rhythms
Volume21
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)169-176
Number of pages8
ISSN0748-7304
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.06.2006

Research Areas and Centers

  • Academic Focus: Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM)

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