Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 18, 2025
06:53
Parallel Measurement of Circadian Clock Gene Expression and Hormone Secretion in Human Primary Cell Cultures
Published on: November 11, 2016
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Intestinal Clock Promotes Cognitive Memory Through Adenosine Signaling
Min Chen1, Fugui Zhang1, Yifei Xiao1
1Institute of Molecular Rhythm and Metabolism, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|June 20, 2025
Summary
The intestinal clock regulates cognitive memory by influencing brain adenosine levels. Disrupting this clock impairs memory, but adenosine supplementation can restore cognitive function.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The intestinal clock, a circadian system in the gut, influences nutrient metabolism.
- Its impact on extra-intestinal tissues, particularly the brain, is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the intestinal clock in cognitive function.
- To elucidate the mechanisms linking intestinal clock dysfunction to cognitive deficits.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Bmal1-iKO mice, lacking intestinal clock function.
- Assessed cognitive memory, hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), and adenosine signaling.
- Investigated adenosine absorption, levels, and the role of adenosine kinase (ADK).
Main Results:
- Bmal1-iKO mice exhibited cognitive memory defects.
- These deficits were linked to impaired hippocampal adenosine signaling and reduced LTP.
- Adenosine supplementation reversed the cognitive decline in Bmal1-iKO mice.
- BMAL1 was found to regulate intestinal ADK expression, affecting adenosine absorption.
Conclusions:
- The intestinal clock plays a critical, previously unrecognized role in maintaining cognitive memory.
- Intestinal adenosine absorption, regulated by the intestinal clock, is crucial for hippocampal function.
- The intestinal clock presents a potential therapeutic target for cognitive disorders.
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