Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026
10:06
Slice Preparation, Organotypic Tissue Culturing and Luciferase Recording of Clock Gene Activity in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus
Published on: February 15, 2011
36.5K
Constructing the suprachiasmatic nucleus: a watchmaker's perspective on the central clockworks
Joseph L Bedont1, Seth Blackshaw2
1Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA.
Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience
|May 26, 2015
Summary
This review explores the development of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the mammalian master clock. Understanding SCN development is key to deciphering circadian clock function, evolution, and dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Chronobiology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The mammalian circadian system, regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), dictates daily behaviors.
- The SCN comprises complex signaling networks linking oscillators for precise timekeeping.
- SCN development mechanisms remain less understood than its adult physiological functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on adult SCN function.
- To summarize existing findings on SCN development.
- To highlight the potential of SCN development research for understanding circadian clocks.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of SCN function and development.
- Synthesis of existing research on SCN oscillator networks.
- Analysis of the implications of SCN developmental studies.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in understanding adult SCN physiology.
- Limited studies have detailed the developmental processes of the SCN.
- Future research on SCN development promises insights into master clock mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Bridging the knowledge gap in SCN development is crucial.
- Studying SCN development can illuminate master clock function and evolution.
- Understanding SCN development is vital for addressing circadian rhythm disorders.
Keywords:
axon pathfindingcell fatechronotypecircadianclock genesdevelopmental neurosciencesuprachiasmatictranscription factorsMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:19Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
4.7K
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...
4.7K
02:19Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
2.5K
2.5K
01:23Diencephalon: Hypothalamus and Coordination
5.3K
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...
5.3K
02:45Biological Clocks and Seasonal Responses
42.1K
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.
42.1K
01:02The Pineal Gland
8.0K
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...
8.0K
01:13Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation
6.2K
The reticular formation is a complex network of gray and white matter located within the brainstem extending from the medulla to the midbrain.
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...
6.2K