Coordination of circadian timing in mammals

Nature. 2002 Aug 29;418(6901):935-41. doi: 10.1038/nature00965.

Abstract

Time in the biological sense is measured by cycles that range from milliseconds to years. Circadian rhythms, which measure time on a scale of 24 h, are generated by one of the most ubiquitous and well-studied timing systems. At the core of this timing mechanism is an intricate molecular mechanism that ticks away in many different tissues throughout the body. However, these independent rhythms are tamed by a master clock in the brain, which coordinates tissue-specific rhythms according to light input it receives from the outside world.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus
  • Animals
  • Circadian Rhythm / genetics
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology*
  • Feedback, Physiological
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Light
  • Mammals / genetics
  • Mammals / physiology*
  • Models, Biological
  • Phosphorylation
  • Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate / physiology
  • Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / physiology
  • Visual Pathways / physiology