Temporal dynamics of mouse hippocampal clock gene expression support memory processing

Core clock components are expressed in neurons of all subregions of the hippocampus in a time-locked fashion over a 24-hour day/night cycle.

• Hippocampal plasticity and memory processing may depend on the time of day.
• Distinct peaks in the expression of clock genes occur when memory traces are typically formed or consolidated.
• Mice lacking the clock gene mPer1 show disordered rhythmic expression of hippocampal clock genes.
• Per1-knockout mice exhibit significant deficits in long-term spatial learning tasks.
• The expression dynamics of clock genes in the hippocampus may influence memory processing and learning efficacy.

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