Circadian clocks - the fall and rise of physiology.
Circadian clocks control the daily life of most light-sensitive organisms - from cyanobacteria to humans. Molecular processes generate cellular rhythmicity, and cellular clocks in animals coordinate rhythms through interaction (known as coupling). This hierarchy of clocks generates a complex, approximately 24-hour temporal programme that is synchronized with the rotation of the Earth. The circadian system ensures anticipation and adaptation to daily environmental changes, and functions on different levels - from gene expression to behaviour. Circadian research is a remarkable example of interdisciplinarity, unravelling the complex mechanisms that underlie a ubiquitous biological programme. Insights from this research will help to optimize medical diagnostics and therapy, as well as adjust social and biological timing on the individual level.
Roenneberg
Till
T
Centre for Chronobiology, Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, University of Munich, Goethestrasse 31, D-80336 Munich, Germany. roenneberg@lmu.de
Merrow
Martha
M
D000818:Animals; D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D001683:Biological Clocks / Q000502:physiology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological