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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Parallel Measurement of Circadian Clock Gene Expression and Hormone Secretion in Human Primary Cell Cultures

Parallel Measurement of Circadian Clock Gene Expression and Hormone Secretion in Human Primary Cell Cultures

Published on: November 11, 2016

Circadian clocks in the ovary.

Michael T Sellix¹, Michael Menaker

¹Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA.

Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM

|July 6, 2010

Summary

Peripheral circadian clocks in the ovary may regulate ovulation timing. Disruption of these ovarian clocks can contribute to reproductive diseases and fertility issues.

Area of Science:

Reproductive biology
Chronobiology
Ovarian physiology

Background:

Clock gene expression is present in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.
Hypothalamic oscillators' role in reproductive timing is established, but peripheral oscillators, such as those in the ovary, are less understood.
Ovarian circadian clocks may influence ovulation timing.

Purpose of the Study:

To review evidence for clock gene function in the ovary across species.
To provide a novel perspective on the role of ovarian clocks in normal physiology and reproductive diseases.
To explore the link between ovarian clock disruption and fertility issues.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on ovarian clock gene expression and function.

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Last Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Parallel Measurement of Circadian Clock Gene Expression and Hormone Secretion in Human Primary Cell Cultures

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Analysis of species-specific data on ovarian circadian rhythms.

Synthesis of current knowledge on the impact of clock disruption on ovarian function.

Main Results:

Evidence supports the presence and function of circadian clocks within the ovary.
Ovarian clocks appear to be involved in regulating key reproductive events, including ovulation.
Disruption of ovarian clock function is implicated in reproductive pathologies.

Conclusions:

Circadian clocks in the ovary play a significant role in reproductive health.
Understanding ovarian clock mechanisms is crucial for addressing fertility disorders.
Further research into peripheral oscillators could reveal new therapeutic targets for reproductive diseases.