Cell-autonomous clock of astrocytes drives circadian behavior in mammals

Jan 12, 2019Science (New York, N.Y.)

Internal daily clocks in brain support cells help control daily behavior in mammals

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Abstract

The astrocytic clock can independently drive circadian behavior in mice.

  • Cell type-specific transcription-translation negative feedback loops (TTFLs) were identified in neurons and astrocytes of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).
  • In the absence of other cellular clocks, the astrocytic TTFL can still drive molecular oscillations within the SCN.
  • Astrocytes influence the circadian function of SCN neurons through glutamatergic signals.
  • Findings suggest that astrocytes are capable of autonomously initiating and sustaining complex behaviors in mammals.

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