eNeuroSep 19, 2022

Internal Biological Clock in Brain Support Cells Controls Their Growth

Circadian Biology Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗OA ↗

Updated Apr 6, 2026

Abstract

Murine express circadian clock genes rhythmically over a 24-hour period.

The largest population of proliferative cells in the mature central nervous system is NG2-glia.
NG2-glia proliferation peaks at times when circadian clock gene expression is highest.
Conditional knockout of the clock component reduces both the density of cortical NG2-glia and their proliferation.
In a model of neurotrauma, increased NG2-glia proliferation depends on the expression of circadian clock genes.
Circadian rhythm disturbances are commonly associated with neurologic disorders, including traumatic brain injury.

Simplified

The molecular circadian clock can be found throughout the body and is essential for the synchronizing cellular physiology with the 24 h day. However, the role of the clock in regulating the regenerative potential of the brain has not been explored. We report here that murine , the largest population of proliferative cells in the mature central nervous system, rhythmically express circadian clock genes in a 24 h period, including the critical clock componentRNA and protein. Interestingly, daily NG2-glia proliferation preferentially occurs during the time of day in whichexpression is high, while conditional knockout ofdecreases both cortical NG2-glia density and cellular proliferation. Furthermore, in a neurotrauma model, we show that pathology-induced NG2-glia proliferation is also dependent onexpression. Because circadian rhythm disturbances are common in neurologic disorders across the life span, including in traumatic brain injury, these findings bear significant implications for cellular regeneration in brain injuries and disease. Bmal1Bmal1Bmal1Bmal1

Key numbers

267.5 cells/mm vs 235.9 cells/mm

Decrease in Density

Comparison of total density in CKO vs. control mice at CT 0000.

17.1 cells/mm vs 8.4 cells/mm

Decrease in Proliferative

Comparison of proliferative density in CKO vs. control mice at CT 1200.

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Internal Biological Clock in Brain Support Cells Controls Their Growth

Abstract

Key numbers

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