Integration of mammalian circadian clock signals: from molecule to behavior

Abstract

The core oscillatory mechanism consisting of gene transcription and translation is a unique feature and the astonishing discovery in circadian biology is that the rhythm of gene transcription reflects the behavioral rhythm almost perfectly. This means that the clock gene oscillation generated by the core loop in each suprachiasmatic nucleus neuron is coupled and amplified, and harmonized strongly so that oscillating activities are spread into the whole brain and to all those peripheral organs which contain peripheral clocks. Additionally, circadian changes are induced in behavior and hormone secretion. Investigations of biological clocks open the fascinating perspective to analyze the integrational mechanism of 'time', providing a bridge between single genes and the living organism as a whole.