A Meta-Analysis Characterizing Stem-Like Gene Expression in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus and Its Circadian Clock

Cells expressing proteins characteristic of stem cells and progenitor cells are present in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the adult mammalian hypothalamus. Any relationship between this distinctive feature and the master circadian clock of the SCN is unclear. Considering the lack of obvious neurogenesis in the adult SCN relative to the hippocampus and other structures that provide neurons and glia, it is possible that the SCN has partially differentiated cells that can provide neural circuit plasticity rather than ongoing neurogenesis. To test this possibility, available databases and publications were explored to identify highly expressed genes in the mouse SCN that also have known or suspected roles in cell differentiation, maintenance of stem-like states, or cell-cell interactions found in adult and embryonic stem cells and cancer stem cells. The SCN was found to have numerous genes associated with stem cell maintenance and increased motility from which we selected 25 of the most relevant genes. Over ninety percent of these stem-like genes were expressed at higher levels in the SCN than in other brain areas. Further analysis of this gene set could provide a greater understanding of how adjustments in cell contacts alter period and phase relationships of circadian rhythms. Circadian timing and its role in cancer, sleep, and metabolic disorders are likely influenced by genes selected in this study.