Expression of clock genes in the suprachiasmatic nucleus: Effect of environmental lighting conditions

摘要: The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the anatomical substrate for principal circadian clock coordinating daily rhythms in a vast array of behavioral and physiological responses. Individual SCN neurons are cellular oscillators organized into multi-oscillator network following unique spatiotemporal patterns. generated generally entrained to environmental light dark cycle, which most salient cue influencing organization SCN. neural heterogeneous structure, containing two major compartments identified by applying functional criteria, namely retinorecipient core region highly rhythmic shell region. Changes lighting condition first detected processed region, then conveyed rest SCN, leading adaptive responses entire network. This review will focus on studies that explore examining expression genes, under various paradigms, such as acute exposure, schedules or exposure different durations. results be discussed framework functionally distinct sub regions oscillator groups. evidence presented here suggests conditions alter within consequently affect overt behavior physiology. Thus, information how elements respond cues key understanding human health problems stem from rhythm disruption.