Rapid identification of novel genes expressed in a circadian manner in rat suprachiasmatic nuclei.
The circadian clock in mammals is located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). There is evidence that changes in gene expression are central to its mechanism. We are engaged in identifying the genes involved. The small size of the SCN, the large number of mammalian genes and the need to identify those differentially expressed over 24 h have required novel experimental procedures. mRNA differential display and an improved tissue micropunching method have been used to examine temporal changes in gene expression in the SCN of rats maintained in constant darkness. Several of the displayed cDNA species were found to be differentially expressed; they show no homology with published sequences. Riboprobes of these cDNA species were used for in situ hybridization. Emulsion-dipped sections confirmed that at least two of these differentially displayed mRNAs are expressed in a circadian manner.
Chong
N W
NW
Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK.
Cagampang
F R
FR
Coen
C W
CW
Campbell
I C
IC
Powell
J F
JF
D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013493:Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors; D014158:Transcription, Genetic