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Updated: Jul 31, 2026
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Monitoring Cell-autonomous Circadian Clock Rhythms of Gene Expression Using Luciferase Bioluminescence Reporters
Published on: September 27, 2012
[Aging and circadian clock gene expression in peripheral tissues in rats]
F Claustrat1, I Fournier, G Geelen
1Service de radioanalyse, hôpital cardiologique, 59, boulevard Pinel, 69677 Bron cedex, France. francine.claustrat@chu-lyon.fr
Pathologie-Biologie
|June 9, 2005
Summary
Aging alters circadian rhythms, impacting clock gene expression in rat liver and heart tissues. Old rats showed decreased Per gene expression, indicating significant age-related changes in these vital organs.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Molecular Biology
- Aging Research
Context:
- Circadian rhythms regulate physiological processes, but their function declines with age.
- Aging is linked to altered circadian rhythms, including reduced amplitude and phase advance.
- Understanding age-related changes in clock gene expression is crucial for healthspan research.
Purpose:
- To investigate the impact of aging on the expression of core circadian clock genes (Clock, Bmal1, Cry1,2, Per1-3).
- To compare gene expression patterns in peripheral tissues (liver and heart) between middle-aged and old rats.
- To analyze the influence of a 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycle on these age-related changes.
Summary:
- Quantitative RT-PCR was used to analyze clock gene expression in liver and heart tissues of middle-aged (13 months) and old (27 months) Wag/Rij rats.
- Liver tissue showed significant age-dependent decreases in Per gene expression in the evening in old rats compared to middle-aged rats.
- The heart exhibited similar trends, with a tendency towards decreased Per expression and increased Bmal1 expression in the evening in old rats.
Impact:
- Aging is demonstrably associated with significant alterations in circadian gene expression in peripheral tissues.
- These findings highlight molecular mechanisms underlying age-related circadian disruption.
- Provides a foundation for future research into interventions to mitigate aging-associated circadian decline.
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