Melanopsin mediates thermal activation of molecular clock genes in murine preadipocytes

Cold temperature pulses (34°C) may upregulate clock gene expression in murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes via melanopsin (OPN4).

• Melanopsin is present in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, along with cone opsin and rhodopsin.
• Cold temperature pulses resulted in an increased amplitude of bioluminescence and a phase delay in clock gene expression compared to control cells.
• The upregulation of clock genes in response to cold temperatures may be mediated by melanopsin activity.
• These findings indicate that temperature sensing through melanopsin could influence peripheral circadian regulation.

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