Coordination of circadian timing in mammals.
Time in the biological sense is measured by cycles that range from milliseconds to years. Circadian rhythms, which measure time on a scale of 24 h, are generated by one of the most ubiquitous and well-studied timing systems. At the core of this timing mechanism is an intricate molecular mechanism that ticks away in many different tissues throughout the body. However, these independent rhythms are tamed by a master clock in the brain, which coordinates tissue-specific rhythms according to light input it receives from the outside world.
Reppert
Steven M
SM
Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, LRB-728, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA. steven.reppert@umassmed.edu
Weaver
David R
DR
D021581:Active Transport, Cell Nucleus; D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D025461:Feedback, Physiological; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D008027:Light; D008322:Mammals / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D010766:Phosphorylation; D020419:Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate / Q000502:physiology; D013493:Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / Q000502:physiology; D014795:Visual Pathways / Q000502:physiology