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Photoperiodic Modulation of Clock Gene Expression in the SCN

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Neuroendocrine Clocks and Calendars

Part of the book series: Masterclass in Neuroendocrinology ((MANEURO,volume 10))

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Abstract

In temperate zones, photoperiod changes dramatically over the course of the year, so organisms have evolved mechanisms allowing anticipation of these environmental changes. The information about changes in duration of daylight is conveyed to the organism via neuroendocrine pathways. These pathways involve photoperiodic modulation of rhythmic production of the pineal hormone melatonin which is under control of the circadian system. This chapter will consider the role of the central circadian clock located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei in the adaptation to the photoperiodic changes, focusing on how photoperiod modulates circadian clock mechanisms at the molecular level.

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Further Recommended Reading

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Acknowledgements

The preparation of this chapter was supported by the Research Project RV0: 67985823.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia

    Alena Sumova & Helena Illnerova

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  1. Alena Sumova
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  2. Helena Illnerova
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Correspondence to Alena Sumova .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK

    Francis J. P. Ebling

  2. School of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK

    Hugh D. Piggins

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Sumova, A., Illnerova, H. (2020). Photoperiodic Modulation of Clock Gene Expression in the SCN. In: Ebling, F.J.P., Piggins, H.D. (eds) Neuroendocrine Clocks and Calendars. Masterclass in Neuroendocrinology, vol 10. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-55643-3_10

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