Intercellular Coupling Confers Robustness Against Mutations in the SCN Circadian Clock Network

Overview

Journal Cell

Publisher Cell Press

Specialty Cell Biology

Date 2007 May 8

PMID 17482552

Citations 354

Authors

Andrew C Liu

David K Welsh

Caroline H Ko

Hien G Tran

Eric E Zhang

Aaron A Priest

Ethan D Buhr

Oded Singer

Kirsten Meeker

Inder M Verma

Francis J Doyle 3rd

Joseph S Takahashi

Steve A Kay

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Molecular mechanisms of the mammalian circadian clock have been studied primarily by genetic perturbation and behavioral analysis. Here, we used bioluminescence imaging to monitor Per2 gene expression in tissues and cells from clock mutant mice. We discovered that Per1 and Cry1 are required for sustained rhythms in peripheral tissues and cells, and in neurons dissociated from the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). Per2 is also required for sustained rhythms, whereas Cry2 and Per3 deficiencies cause only period length defects. However, oscillator network interactions in the SCN can compensate for Per1 or Cry1 deficiency, preserving sustained rhythmicity in mutant SCN slices and behavior. Thus, behavior does not necessarily reflect cell-autonomous clock phenotypes. Our studies reveal previously unappreciated requirements for Per1, Per2, and Cry1 in sustaining cellular circadian rhythmicity and demonstrate that SCN intercellular coupling is essential not only to synchronize component cellular oscillators but also for robustness against genetic perturbations.

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