The role of multiple body clocks in mammals

Nearly every tissue in the body has its own circadian clock, which may operate independently of the central clock in the brain.

• Circadian clocks regulate biological processes by aligning with the 24-hour light-dark cycle.
• Multiple local clocks allow for flexible and tissue-specific responses to environmental changes.
• Internal coordination among local clocks contributes to stable temporal organization of physiological functions.
• Disruption in the coordination between these clocks could be linked to various diseases.
• The organization of local clocks may play a role in maintaining seasonal homeostasis.

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