Come together, right...now: synchronization of rhythms in a mammalian circadian clock.
In mammals, the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus act as a dominant circadian pacemaker, coordinating rhythms throughout the body and regulating daily and seasonal changes in physiology and behavior. This review focuses on the mechanisms that mediate synchronization of circadian rhythms between SCN neurons. Understanding how these neurons communicate as a network of circadian oscillators has begun to shed light on the adaptability and dysfunction of the brain's master clock.
Aton
Sara J
SJ
Department of Biology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA.
Herzog
Erik D
ED
D000818:Animals; D001683:Biological Clocks / Q000502:physiology*; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D017729:Presynaptic Terminals / Q000502:physiology; D013493:Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology