From clock to functional pacemaker

S Michel, JH Meijer - European Journal of Neuroscience, 2020 - Wiley Online Library
S Michel, JH Meijer
European Journal of Neuroscience, 2020Wiley Online Library
In mammals, the central pacemaker that coordinates 24‐hr rhythms is located in the
suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Individual neurons of the SCN have a molecular basis for
rhythm generation and hence, they function as cell autonomous oscillators. Communication
and synchronization among these neurons are crucial for obtaining a coherent rhythm at the
population level, that can serve as a pace making signal for brain and body. Hence, the
ability of single SCN neurons to produce circadian rhythms is equally important as the ability …
Abstract
In mammals, the central pacemaker that coordinates 24‐hr rhythms is located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Individual neurons of the SCN have a molecular basis for rhythm generation and hence, they function as cell autonomous oscillators. Communication and synchronization among these neurons are crucial for obtaining a coherent rhythm at the population level, that can serve as a pace making signal for brain and body. Hence, the ability of single SCN neurons to produce circadian rhythms is equally important as the ability of these neurons to synchronize one another, to obtain a bona fide pacemaker at the SCN tissue level. In this chapter we will discuss the mechanisms underlying synchronization, and plasticity herein, which allows adaptation to changes in day length. Furthermore, we will discuss deterioration in synchronization among SCN neurons in aging, and gain in synchronization by voluntary physical activity or exercise.
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