Modeling the seasonal adaptation of circadian clocks by changes in the network structure of the suprachiasmatic nucleus.

ABSTRACT: The dynamics of circadian rhythms needs to be adapted to day length changes between summer and winter. It has been observed experimentally, however, that the dynamics of individual neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) does not change as the seasons change. Rather, the seasonal adaptation of the circadian clock is hypothesized to be a consequence of changes in the intercellular dynamics, which leads to a phase distribution of electrical activity of SCN neurons that is narrower in winter and broader during summer. Yet to understand this complex intercellular dynamics, a more thorough understanding of the impact of the network structure formed by the SCN neurons is needed. To that effect, we propose a mathematical model for the dynamics of the SCN neuronal architecture in which the st

SUBMITTER: Bodenstein C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3447953 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature