scholarly journals Circadian rhythms identified inCaenorhabditis elegansby in vivo long-term monitoring of a bioluminescent reporter

2016 ◽  
Vol 113 (48) ◽  
pp. E7837-E7845 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Eugenia Goya ◽  
Andrés Romanowski ◽  
Carlos S. Caldart ◽  
Claire Y. Bénard ◽  
Diego A. Golombek
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Circadian System ◽  
Phase Changes ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Biological Variables ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Gated Channel ◽  
Bioluminescence Assay ◽  
And Behavior

Circadian rhythms are based on endogenous clocks that allow organisms to adjust their physiology and behavior by entrainment to the solar day and, in turn, to select the optimal times for most biological variables. Diverse model systems—including mice, flies, fungi, plants, and bacteria—have provided important insights into the mechanisms of circadian rhythmicity. However, the general principles that govern the circadian clock ofCaenorhabditis eleganshave remained largely elusive. Here we report robust molecular circadian rhythms inC.elegansrecorded with a bioluminescence assay in vivo and demonstrate the main features of the circadian system of the nematode. By constructing a luciferase-based reporter coupled to the promoter of the suppressor of activatedlet-60Ras (sur-5) gene, we show in both population and single-nematode assays thatC.elegansexpresses ∼24-h rhythms that can be entrained by light/dark and temperature cycles. We provide evidence that these rhythms are temperature-compensated and can be re-entrained after phase changes of the synchronizing agents. In addition, we demonstrate that light and temperature sensing requires the photoreceptors LITE and GUR-3, and the cyclic nucleotide-gated channel subunit TAX-2. Our results shed light onC.eleganscircadian biology and demonstrate evolutionarily conserved features in the circadian system of the nematode.

scholarly journals Does a Red House Affect Rhythms in Mice with a Corrupted Circadian System?

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2288
Author(s):  
Menekse Öztürk ◽  
Marc Ingenwerth ◽  
Martin Sager ◽  
Charlotte von Gall ◽  
Amira A. H. Ali
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Neuronal Activity ◽  
Clock Genes ◽  
Plasma Corticosterone ◽  
Cellular Level ◽  
Circadian System ◽  
Targeted Deletion ◽  
Long Wavelength ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Time Information

The circadian rhythms of body functions in mammals are controlled by the circadian system. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus orchestrates subordinate oscillators. Time information is conveyed from the retina to the SCN to coordinate an organism’s physiology and behavior with the light/dark cycle. At the cellular level, molecular clockwork composed of interlocked transcriptional/translational feedback loops of clock genes drives rhythmic gene expression. Mice with targeted deletion of the essential clock gene Bmal1 (Bmal1−/−) have an impaired light input pathway into the circadian system and show a loss of circadian rhythms. The red house (RH) is an animal welfare measure widely used for rodents as a hiding place. Red plastic provides light at a low irradiance and long wavelength—conditions which affect the circadian system. It is not known yet whether the RH affects rhythmic behavior in mice with a corrupted circadian system. Here, we analyzed whether the RH affects spontaneous locomotor activity in Bmal1−/− mice under standard laboratory light conditions. In addition, mPER1- and p-ERK-immunoreactions, as markers for rhythmic SCN neuronal activity, and day/night plasma corticosterone levels were evaluated. Our findings indicate that application of the RH to Bmal1−/− abolishes rhythmic locomotor behavior and dampens rhythmic SCN neuronal activity. However, RH had no effect on the day/night difference in corticosterone levels.

scholarly journals Disruption of Circadian Rhythms: A Crucial Factor in the Etiology of Depression

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Salgado-Delgado ◽  
Araceli Tapia Osorio ◽  
Nadia Saderi ◽  
Carolina Escobar
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Biological Clock ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Circadian System ◽  
Metabolic Functions ◽  
Lighting Conditions ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Depressive States

Circadian factors might play a crucial role in the etiology of depression. It has been demonstrated that the disruption of circadian rhythms by lighting conditions and lifestyle predisposes individuals to a wide range of mood disorders, including impulsivity, mania and depression. Also, associated with depression, there is the impairment of circadian rhythmicity of behavioral, endocrine, and metabolic functions. Inspite of this close relationship between both processes, the complex relationship between the biological clock and the incidence of depressive symptoms is far from being understood. The efficiency and the timing of treatments based on chronotherapy (e.g., light treatment, sleep deprivation, and scheduled medication) indicate that the circadian system is an essential target in the therapy of depression. The aim of the present review is to analyze the biological and clinical data that link depression with the disruption of circadian rhythms, emphasizing the contribution of circadian desynchrony. Therefore, we examine the conditions that may lead to circadian disruption of physiology and behavior as described in depressive states, and, according to this approach, we discuss therapeutic strategies aimed at treating the circadian system and depression.

Molecular Biology and Physiology of Circadian Clocks

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruifeng Cao
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Circadian System ◽  
Feedback Loops ◽  
The Body ◽  
Endogenous Rhythms ◽  
Peripheral Oscillators ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Photic Input ◽  
Master Clock

Circadian rhythm is the approximately 24-hour rhythmicity that regulates physiology and behavior in a variety of organisms. The mammalian circadian system is organized in a hierarchical manner. Molecular circadian oscillations driven by genetic feedback loops are found in individual cells, whereas circadian rhythms in different systems of the body are orchestrated by the master clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the anterior hypothalamus. SCN receives photic input from retina and synchronizes endogenous rhythms with the external light/dark cycles. SCN regulates circadian rhythms in the peripheral oscillators via neural and humoral signals, which account for daily fluctuations of the physiological processes in these organs. Disruption of circadian rhythms can cause health problems and circadian dysfunction has been linked to many human diseases.

scholarly journals Estrogen directly modulates circadian rhythms of PER2 expression in the uterus

2008 ◽  
Vol 295 (5) ◽  
pp. E1025-E1031 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takahiro J. Nakamura ◽  
Michael T. Sellix ◽  
Michael Menaker ◽  
Gene D. Block
Keyword(s):  
Estrogen Receptor ◽  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Activity Rhythm ◽  
Receptor Modulator ◽  
17Β Estradiol ◽  
Central Clock ◽  
Estrogen Implants ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Per Gene

Fluctuations in circulating estrogen and progesterone levels associated with the estrous cycle alter circadian rhythms of physiology and behavior in female rodents. Endogenously applied estrogen shortens the period of the locomotor activity rhythm in rodents. We recently found that estrogen implants affect Period ( Per) gene expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN; central clock) and uterus of rats in vivo. To explore whether estrogen directly influences the circadian clock in the SCN and/or tissues of the reproductive system, we examined the effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) on PER2::LUCIFERASE (PER2::LUC) expression in tissue explant cultures from ovariectomized PER2::LUC knockin mice. E2 applied to explanted cultures shortened the period of rhythmic PER2::LUC expression in the uterus but did not change the period of PER2::LUC expression in the SCN. Raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator and known E2 antagonist in uterine tissues, attenuated the effect of E2 on the period of the PER2::LUC rhythm in the uterus. These data indicate that estrogen directly affects the timing of the molecular clock in the uterus via an estrogen receptor-mediated response.

scholarly journals Neuroanatomy and behavior in mice with a haploinsufficiency of AT-rich interactive domain 1B (ARID1B) throughout development

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Ellegood ◽  
S. P. Petkova ◽  
A. Kinman ◽  
L. R. Qiu ◽  
A. Adhikari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Callosum ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Chromatin Modification ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Social Deficits ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Developmental Growth ◽  
And Behavior

Abstract Background One of the causal mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) is chromatin modification and the genes that regulate chromatin. AT-rich interactive domain 1B (ARID1B), a chromatin modifier, has been linked to autism spectrum disorder and to affect rare and inherited genetic variation in a broad set of NDDs. Methods A novel preclinical mouse model of Arid1b deficiency was created and validated to characterize and define neuroanatomical, behavioral and transcriptional phenotypes. Neuroanatomy was assessed ex vivo in adult animals and in vivo longitudinally from birth to adulthood. Behavioral testing was also performed throughout development and tested all aspects of motor, learning, sociability, repetitive behaviors, seizure susceptibility, and general milestones delays. Results We validated decreased Arid1b mRNA and protein in Arid1b+/− mice, with signatures of increased axonal and synaptic gene expression, decreased transcriptional regulator and RNA processing expression in adult Arid1b+/− cerebellum. During neonatal development, Arid1b+/− mice exhibited robust impairments in ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) and metrics of developmental growth. In addition, a striking sex effect was observed neuroanatomically throughout development. Behaviorally, as adults, Arid1b+/− mice showed low motor skills in open field exploration and normal three-chambered approach. Arid1b+/− mice had learning and memory deficits in novel object recognition but not in visual discrimination and reversal touchscreen tasks. Social interactions in the male–female social dyad with USVs revealed social deficits on some but not all parameters. No repetitive behaviors were observed. Brains of adult Arid1b+/− mice had a smaller cerebellum and a larger hippocampus and corpus callosum. The corpus callosum increase seen here contrasts previous reports which highlight losses in corpus callosum volume in mice and humans. Limitations The behavior and neuroimaging analyses were done on separate cohorts of mice, which did not allow a direct correlation between the imaging and behavioral findings, and the transcriptomic analysis was exploratory, with no validation of altered expression beyond Arid1b. Conclusions This study represents a full validation and investigation of a novel model of Arid1b+/− haploinsufficiency throughout development and highlights the importance of examining both sexes throughout development in NDDs.

In Vitro and In Vivo Model Systems for the Study of Allergic and Inflammatory Disorders in Man

CHEST Journal ◽  
1985 ◽  
Vol 87 (5) ◽  
pp. 162S-164S ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen P. Peters ◽  
Robert M. Naclerio ◽  
Alkis Togias ◽  
Robert P. Schleimer ◽  
Donald W. MacGlashan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Model Systems ◽  
In Vivo Model ◽  
Inflammatory Disorders

scholarly journals Role of SHH in Patterning Human Pluripotent Cells towards Ventral Forebrain Fates

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 914
Author(s):  
Melanie V. Brady ◽  
Flora M. Vaccarino
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Human Brain ◽  
Human Development ◽  
Disease Modeling ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Technical Ability ◽  
Cellular Phenotypes

The complexities of human neurodevelopment have historically been challenging to decipher but continue to be of great interest in the contexts of healthy neurobiology and disease. The classic animal models and monolayer in vitro systems have limited the types of questions scientists can strive to answer in addition to the technical ability to answer them. However, the tridimensional human stem cell-derived organoid system provides the unique opportunity to model human development and mimic the diverse cellular composition of human organs. This strategy is adaptable and malleable, and these neural organoids possess the morphogenic sensitivity to be patterned in various ways to generate the different regions of the human brain. Furthermore, recapitulating human development provides a platform for disease modeling. One master regulator of human neurodevelopment in many regions of the human brain is sonic hedgehog (SHH), whose expression gradient and pathway activation are responsible for conferring ventral identity and shaping cellular phenotypes throughout the neural axis. This review first discusses the benefits, challenges, and limitations of using organoids for studying human neurodevelopment and disease, comparing advantages and disadvantages with other in vivo and in vitro model systems. Next, we explore the range of control that SHH exhibits on human neurodevelopment, and the application of SHH to various stem cell methodologies, including organoids, to expand our understanding of human development and disease. We outline how this strategy will eventually bring us much closer to uncovering the intricacies of human neurodevelopment and biology.

scholarly journals The circadian clock uses different environmental time cues to synchronize emergence and locomotion of the solitary bee Osmia bicornis

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina Beer ◽  
Mariela Schenk ◽  
Charlotte Helfrich-Förster ◽  
Andrea Holzschuh
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Clock ◽  
Circadian System ◽  
Evolutionary Adaptation ◽  
Solitary Bee ◽  
Daily Rhythms ◽  
Osmia Bicornis ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
Impact On Survival ◽  
Life On Earth ◽  
And Behavior

AbstractLife on earth adapted to the daily reoccurring changes in environment by evolving an endogenous circadian clock. Although the circadian clock has a crucial impact on survival and behavior of solitary bees, many aspects of solitary bee clock mechanisms remain unknown. Our study is the first to show that the circadian clock governs emergence in Osmia bicornis, a bee species which overwinters as adult inside its cocoon. Therefore, its eclosion from the pupal case is separated by an interjacent diapause from its emergence in spring. We show that this bee species synchronizes its emergence to the morning. The daily rhythms of emergence are triggered by temperature cycles but not by light cycles. In contrast to this, the bee’s daily rhythms in locomotion are synchronized by light cycles. Thus, we show that the circadian clock of O. bicornis is set by either temperature or light, depending on what activity is timed. Light is a valuable cue for setting the circadian clock when bees have left the nest. However, for pre-emerged bees, temperature is the most important cue, which may represent an evolutionary adaptation of the circadian system to the cavity-nesting life style of O. bicornis.

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