Gene activity in individual cells of the mouse brain's biological clock over time and space

Eight major cell types were identified in the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), each displaying unique circadian gene expression patterns.

• Five subtypes of SCN neurons show distinct spatial distribution, circadian rhythms, and responses to light.
• Single-cell RNA-sequencing was used to characterize the gene expression patterns of these cell types.
• A complete three-dimensional reconstruction of the mouse SCN was created at single-cell resolution.
• Heterogeneous circadian gene expression was observed among the different SCN neuron subtypes.
• The identified spatiotemporal patterns of gene regulation within the SCN may contribute to its role as a circadian pacemaker.

Simplified