Rhythms of mood: Bidirectional regulation of molecular clocks and neurotransmission in affective disorders

Mood disorders are linked to significant neurochemical dysregulation and disturbances in biological rhythms.

• The molecular circadian clock interacts with major neurotransmitter systems, including dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, glutamate, and GABA.
• Local clocks in brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus can become uncoupled under stress, which may contribute to mood dysregulation.
• Core clock genes have been shown to regulate neural networks that control reward, stress responses, and synaptic plasticity.
• Neurotransmitter signaling may provide feedback that can either entrain or disrupt local molecular rhythms.
• Understanding the interplay between circadian rhythms and neurotransmission could aid in developing targeted therapies for mood disorders.

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