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      Collective timekeeping among cells of the master circadian clock

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      The Journal of endocrinology

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          Abstract

          The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the anterior hypothalamus is the master circadian clock that coordinates daily rhythms in behavior and physiology in mammals. Like other hypothalamic nuclei, the SCN displays an impressive array of distinct cell types characterized by differences in neurotransmitter and neuropeptide expression. Individual SCN neurons and glia are able to display self-sustained circadian rhythms in cellular function that are regulated at the molecular level by a 24 h transcriptional-translational feedback loop. Remarkably, SCN cells are able to harmonize with one another to sustain coherent rhythms at the tissue level. Mechanisms of cellular communication in the SCN network are not completely understood, but recent progress has provided insight into the functional roles of several SCN signaling factors. This review discusses SCN organization, how intercellular communication is critical for maintaining network function, and the signaling mechanisms that play a role in this process. Despite recent progress, our understanding of SCN circuitry and coupling is far from complete. Further work is needed to map the circuitry of the SCN fully and define the signaling mechanisms that allow for collective timekeeping in the SCN network.

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          Author and article information

          Contributors
          Journal
          0375363
          4713
          J Endocrinol
          J. Endocrinol.
          The Journal of endocrinology
          0022-0795
          1479-6805
          29 May 2016
          06 May 2016
          July 2016
          01 July 2017
          : 230
          : 1
          : R27-R49
          Affiliations
          Marquette University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, 561 N 15 th St, Schroeder Complex, Room 446, Milwaukee, WI 53233
          Article
          PMC4938744 PMC4938744 4938744 nihpa789172
          10.1530/JOE-16-0054
          4938744
          27154335
          ebebec44-0e15-4322-bd6d-a6bf44f94b0e
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