Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
06:53
Parallel Measurement of Circadian Clock Gene Expression and Hormone Secretion in Human Primary Cell Cultures
Published on: November 11, 2016
Adipose tissue, adipocytes and the circadian timing system
J D Johnston1, G Frost, D T Otway
1Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK. j.johnston@surrey.ac.uk
Summary
Disrupting circadian rhythms, which regulate daily behaviors and physiology, negatively impacts health. This review explores the links between circadian rhythms, clock genes, and fat biology, highlighting research gaps and future directions.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Molecular Biology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Circadian clocks regulate physiological and behavioral processes.
- Chronic circadian rhythm disruption (e.g., shift work) is linked to adverse health outcomes.
- Mammalian circadian timing involves key genes and clocks throughout the body.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence connecting circadian rhythms, clock genes, and adipose biology.
- To identify current knowledge gaps in this field.
- To propose future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on circadian rhythms, clock genes, and adipose tissue.
- Synthesis of findings from molecular, cellular, and physiological research.
- Analysis of the relationship between sleep, circadian function, and metabolism.
Main Results:
- Circadian rhythms are fundamental to biological timing.
- Clock genes play a crucial role in circadian rhythm generation.
- Significant links exist between circadian rhythms, sleep, and metabolic function, particularly in adipose tissue.
Conclusions:
- Circadian rhythm disruption poses health risks.
- Understanding the interplay between circadian clocks, clock genes, and adipose biology is crucial for metabolic health.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate these complex relationships and develop targeted interventions.
Related Concept Videos
02:19Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
The biological clock is involved in many aspects of regulating complex physiology in all animals. It was in 1935 when German zoologists, Hans Kalmus and Erwin Bünning, discovered the existence of circadian rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the internal molecular mechanisms behind the circadian clock remained a mystery until 1984, when Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young discovered the expression of the Per gene oscillating over a 24-hour cycle. In subsequent years,...
02:19Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
The biological clock is involved in many aspects of regulating complex physiology in all animals. It was in 1935 when German zoologists, Hans Kalmus and Erwin Bünning, discovered the existence of circadian rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the internal molecular mechanisms behind the circadian clock remained a mystery until 1984, when Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young discovered the expression of the Per gene oscillating over a 24-hour cycle. In subsequent years,...
01:02Hypodermis
The hypodermis (the subcutaneous layer or superficial fascia) is present directly below the dermis. It connects the skin to the underlying fascia (fibrous tissue) of the bones and muscles. It is not strictly a part of the skin, although the border between the hypodermis and dermis can be difficult to distinguish. The hypodermis consists of well-vascularized, loose, areolar connective tissue and adipose tissue, which functions as a mode of fat storage and provides insulation and cushioning for...
02:45Biological Clocks and Seasonal Responses
The circadian—or biological—clock is an intrinsic, timekeeping, molecular mechanism that allows plants to coordinate physiological activities over 24-hour cycles called circadian rhythms. Photoperiodism is a collective term for the biological responses of plants to variations in the relative lengths of dark and light periods. The period of light-exposure is called the photoperiod.
01:23Diencephalon: Hypothalamus and Coordination
The hypothalamus is a small yet highly complex and essential brain region that plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions. Anatomically, it is located at the base of the brain, just above the brainstem and below the thalamus, forming part of the limbic system.
The hypothalamus interacts with other brain regions, including the pituitary gland, through a direct physical connection called the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The hypothalamus receives somatic and visceral inputs and...
The hypothalamus interacts with other brain regions, including the pituitary gland, through a direct physical connection called the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The hypothalamus receives somatic and visceral inputs and...
01:02The Pineal Gland
The pineal gland, a diminutive endocrine structure named for its pinecone-shaped appearance, is situated atop the third ventricle within the diencephalon region of the forebrain. This gland, composed of secretory cells known as pinealocytes arranged in compact cords and clusters around dense particles of calcium salts, plays a pivotal role in hormonal regulation.
The primary secretion of the pineal gland is the hormone melatonin, derived from serotonin. The concentration of melatonin in the...
The primary secretion of the pineal gland is the hormone melatonin, derived from serotonin. The concentration of melatonin in the...