Targeted disruption of the aralkylamine <i>N</i>-acetyltransferase gene in a seasonal mammal, <i>Mesocricetus auratus</i>.

ABSTRACT: A definitive understanding of intrinsic functions of endogenous melatonin may require genetic manipulation or modification of its synthesizing enzymes. Here, we established Syrian hamsters, a seasonal mammal, carrying loss of function of aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), a rate-limiting enzyme in melatonin biosynthesis. Mutants showed a normal circadian period but an accelerated entrainment to rescheduled light-dark cycles. We next focused on the role of melatonin in autumn/winter anticipation, given the strict increase in levels during short days. On exposure to cold after habituation to short days, all controls maintained normal core body temperature (T _b), whereas many mutants showed a decrease in T _b. Food shortage after this cold expo

SUBMITTER: Kawabe J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12130684 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature