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Circuit development in the master clock network of mammals
Author(s) -
CarmonaAlcocer Vania,
Rohr Kayla E.,
Joye Deborah A. M.,
Evans Jennifer A.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
european journal of neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.346
H-Index - 206
eISSN - 1460-9568
pISSN - 0953-816X
DOI - 10.1111/ejn.14259
Subject(s) - circadian rhythm , suprachiasmatic nucleus , neuroscience , circadian clock , biology , master clock , function (biology) , endogeny , period (music) , hamster , microbiology and biotechnology , endocrinology , clock signal , computer science , telecommunications , physics , acoustics , jitter
Daily rhythms are generated by the circadian timekeeping system, which is orchestrated by the master circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus ( SCN ) of mammals. Circadian timekeeping is endogenous and does not require exposure to external cues during development. Nevertheless, the circadian system is not fully formed at birth in many mammalian species and it is important to understand how SCN development can affect the function of the circadian system in adulthood. The purpose of the current review is to discuss the ontogeny of cellular and circuit function in the SCN , with a focus on work performed in model rodent species (i.e., mouse, rat, and hamster). Particular emphasis is placed on the spatial and temporal patterns of SCN development that may contribute to the function of the master clock during adulthood. Additional work aimed at decoding the mechanisms that guide circadian development is expected to provide a solid foundation upon which to better understand the sources and factors contributing to aberrant maturation of clock function.