Circadian clocks - the fall and rise of physiology |
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Authors: | Roenneberg Till Merrow Martha |
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Institution: | Centre for Chronobiology, Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, University of Munich, Goethestrasse 31, D-80336 Munich, Germany. roenneberg@lmu.de |
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Abstract: | Circadian clocks control the daily life of most light-sensitive organisms - from cyanobacteria to humans. Molecular processes generate cellular rhythmicity, and cellular clocks in animals coordinate rhythms through interaction (known as coupling). This hierarchy of clocks generates a complex, approximately 24-hour temporal programme that is synchronized with the rotation of the Earth. The circadian system ensures anticipation and adaptation to daily environmental changes, and functions on different levels - from gene expression to behaviour. Circadian research is a remarkable example of interdisciplinarity, unravelling the complex mechanisms that underlie a ubiquitous biological programme. Insights from this research will help to optimize medical diagnostics and therapy, as well as adjust social and biological timing on the individual level. |
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