Cellular circadian oscillators in the suprachiasmatic nucleus remain coupled in the absence of connexin-36

Circadian rhythms of the clock gene Period 2 (Per2) remain synchronized in suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) explants from Cx36-deficient mice.

• Cx36 gap junctions are known to facilitate electrical coupling among SCN neurons.
• Despite the lack of Cx36, the synchronization of circadian PER2 expression rhythms is maintained.
• The influence of connexin-36 on circadian behavior varies significantly between juvenile and adult mice.
• Cx36-deficient mice exhibit intact locomotor circadian rhythms, though adults show a lengthened period in constant darkness.
• Electrical coupling of neurons and the synchronization of molecular clock gene rhythms operate independently in the SCN.

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