Dietary regulation of tissue circadian clock function in mice

The 24-hour light-dark cycle dictates the organization of life in most species on this planet. Internal timekeepers, so called circadian clocks, help to anticipate recurring daily changes and orchestrate the body’s physiological functions accordingly. In mammals, the core clock resides in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and is synchronized by light. The SCN projects to several central and peripheral targets to ensure that within the circadian system hierarchy all tissues “tick on time”. Circadian rhythms are integrated in almost all aspects of life – from behavior to cell cycle control and DNA repair. Dietary challenges such as a high-fat diet rapidly disrupt behavioral and molecular circadian rhythms. However, data on the more long-term adaptations of circadian clocks and rhythms to dietary changes are still missing. This issue will be addressed in the planned project, focusing on tissues such as SCN, liver, adrenal, and white adipose tissue.

Faculty Supervisor:

Adam Rudner

Student:

Partner:

Universität zu Lübeck

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: