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The Use of Mouse Splenocytes to Assess Pathogen-associated Molecular Pattern Influence on Clock Gene Expression
Published on: July 24, 2018
Pathogen-associated molecular patterns alter molecular clock gene expression in mouse splenocytes
1Department of Biology, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT, United States.
Abstract:
Circadian rhythms are endogenous 24-h oscillations that influence a multitude of physiological processes. The pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP), lipopolysaccharide, has been shown to modify the circadian molecular clock. The aim of this study was to determine if other PAMPs alter clock gene expression. Therefore, mRNA levels of clock genes (Per2, Bmal1, Rev-erbα, and Dbp) were measured after an ex vivo challenge with several PAMPs and to further test the relevance of PAMP alteration of the molecular clock, an in vivo poly(I:C) challenge was performed. This study revealed that several other PAMPs are also capable of altering clock gene expression.
Insights
Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) can disrupt the body's internal 24-hour clock. This study found that various PAMPs, not just lipopolysaccharide, alter the expression of key clock genes, impacting circadian rhythms.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Circadian rhythms are crucial endogenous 24-hour cycles regulating physiological processes.
- Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) are molecules recognized by the immune system.
- Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a PAMP, is known to affect the molecular clock.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether PAMPs, beyond LPS, can alter circadian clock gene expression.
- To determine the impact of various PAMPs on the molecular clockwork.
- To assess the in vivo relevance of PAMP-induced circadian clock alterations.
Main Methods:
- Ex vivo challenge of cells with different PAMPs.
- Quantitative measurement of clock gene mRNA levels (Per2, Bmal1, Rev-erbα, Dbp).
- In vivo challenge using poly(I:C) to model PAMP exposure.
Main Results:
- Several tested PAMPs demonstrated the ability to modify clock gene expression.
- The study confirmed that PAMPs can indeed influence the molecular circadian clock.
- In vivo poly(I:C) challenge further supported the relevance of PAMPs in altering circadian rhythms.
Conclusions:
- The findings indicate a broader role for PAMPs in modulating circadian rhythms than previously understood.
- Multiple PAMPs can directly impact the expression of core clock genes.
- This interaction between the immune system and circadian clock has significant physiological implications.
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