Coordination of individual cell clocks in the brain's daily rhythm center

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) exhibits a synchronized gene expression rhythm with a period length of about 24 hours.

• Clock gene transcription rhythms are synchronized across hundreds of neurons in the SCN.
• Neuronal clocks are arranged in a specific pattern throughout the SCN, indicating differential phasing.
• A protein synthesis inhibitor can reset neuronal clocks to the same phase, which is later reestablished through intrinsic interactions.
• Na+-dependent action potentials play a role in achieving and maintaining synchronization among the cellular clocks.

Simplified