Cited by 915Circadian rhythm and melatoninSleep and Work-Related FatigueSleep and Wakefulness Research

Timing to perfection: the biology of central and peripheral circadian clocks

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Albrecht, Urs·2012·Neuron

Abstract

The mammalian circadian system, which is comprised of multiple cellular clocks located in the organs and tissues, orchestrates their regulation in a hierarchical manner throughout the 24 hr of the day. At the top of the hierarchy are the suprachiasmatic nuclei, which synchronize subordinate organ and tissue clocks using electrical, endocrine, and metabolic signaling pathways that impact the molecular mechanisms of cellular clocks. The interplay between the central neural and peripheral tissue clocks is not fully understood and remains a major challenge in determining how neurological and metabolic homeostasis is achieved across the sleep-wake cycle. Disturbances in the communication between the plethora of body clocks can desynchronize the circadian system, which is believed to contribute to the development of diseases such as obesity and neuropsychiatric disorders. This review will highlight the relationship between clocks and metabolism, and describe how cues such as light, food, and reward mediate entrainment of the circadian system.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.neuron.2012.04.006

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  • SCN coordinates the regulation of cellular clocks by sending hormonal and electrical signals.

    “SCN coordinates the regulation of cellular clocks by sending hormonal and electrical signals (50).”
  • The circadian rhythm is mainly synchronized by the circadian clock at the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).

    “The circadian rhythm is mainly synchronized by the circadian clock at the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) located in the hypothalamus in the brain [1].”
  • The SCN maintain coordination of peripheral clocks via autonomic nervous system tone, secretion of hormones such as melatonin and cortisol, and core body temperature.

    “Tone of the autonomic nervous system, secretion of hormones such as melatonin and cortisol, and core body temperature exhibit SCN-driven rhythms that can synchronize peripheral clocks (16).”

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Authors
Albrecht, U.
Affiliations
University of Fribourg (CH)
Corresponding author
Albrecht, Urs
Venue
Neuron
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2012-04
Volume
74
Issue
2
Pages
246-260
ISSN
0896-6273 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2057080091
Cited by
915
References
141
Citations by year
2026: 34 · 2025: 62 · 2024: 63 · 2023: 57 · 2022: 94 · 2021: 101 · 2020: 60 · 2019: 73 · 2018: 64 · 2017: 60 · 2016: 56 · 2015: 70 · 2014: 61 · 2013: 48 · 2012: 11
FWCI
6.98
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Neuron (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • reroDoc Digital Library (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • Velux Stiftung
  • Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Circadian rhythm and melatonin
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Sleep and Wakefulness Research
Keywords
circadian clock, suprachiasmatic nucleus, peripheral clocks, circadian entrainment, light entrainment, food entrainment, reward, metabolism, circadian desynchrony, obesity, neuropsychiatric disorders, sleep-wake cycle
MeSH terms
Animals, Biology, Homeostasis, Humans, Models, Biological, Neural Pathways, Suprachiasmatic Nucleus, Signal Transduction, Metabolic Networks and Pathways, Circadian Clocks

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