The Reindeer Circadian Clock Is Rhythmic and Temperature-compensated But Shows Evidence of Weak Coupling Between the Secondary and Core Molecular Clock Loops.

ABSTRACT: Circadian rhythms synchronize the internal physiology of animals allowing them to anticipate daily changes in their environment. Arctic habitats may diminish the selective advantages of circadian rhythmicity by relaxing daily rhythmic environmental constraints, presenting a valuable opportunity to study the evolution of circadian rhythms. In reindeer, circadian control of locomotor activity and melatonin release is weak or absent, and the molecular clockwork is reportedly non-functional. Here we present new evidence that the circadian clock in cultured reindeer fibroblasts is rhythmic and temperature-compensated. Compared with mouse fibroblasts, however, reindeer fibroblasts have a short free-running period, and temperature cycles have an atypical impact on clock gene regulation. In reinde

SUBMITTER: Appenroth D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11613641 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature