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Updated: Aug 2, 2026

Simultaneous Electrophysiological Recording and Calcium Imaging of Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Neurons
Published on: December 8, 2013
Clock genes, oscillators, and cellular networks in the suprachiasmatic nuclei
Michael H Hastings1, Erik D Herzog
1MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Division of Neurobiology, Cambridge, UK. mh105@cus.cam.ac.uk.
Abstract:
The mammalian SCN contains a biological clock that drives remarkably precise circadian rhythms in vivo and in vitro. Recent advances have revealed molecular and cellular mechanisms required for the generation of these daily rhythms and their synchronization between SCN neurons and to the environmental light cycle. This review of the evidence for a cell-autonomous circadian pacemaker within specialized neurons of the SCN focuses on 6 genes implicated within the pace making mechanism, an additional 4 genes implicated in pathways from the pacemaker, and the intercellular and intracellular mechanisms that synchronize SCN neurons to each other and to solar time.
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