Elucidation and manipulation of the neural mechanisms underlying the circadian period determination – Publicly Invited Research 2018－2019

  1. A01 Ogura
  2. A01 H. Takahashi
  3. A01 S. Takahashi
  4. A01 Michiue
  5. A01 Hinoi
  6. A01 Tsumoto
  7. A01 Nikawa
  8. A01 Chatani
  9. A01 Kawakami
  10. A01 Akiyama
  11. A01 Tomita
  1. A02 Shinohara
  2. A02 Mieda
  3. A02 Maekawa
  4. A02 Abe
  5. A02 Ohgami
  6. A02 Kawano
  7. A02 Takano
  1. A03 Suzuki
  2. A03 Nakamura
  3. A03 Harada
  4. A03 Kobayashi
  5. A03 Miyamoto
  6. A03 Funayama
  7. A03 Kakinuma
  1. B01 Lazarus
  2. B01 Kato
  3. B01 Kunieda
  4. B01 Kitaya
  5. B01 Sawano
Research Subject Elucidation and manipulation of the neural mechanisms underlying the circadian period determination
Research Group Leader
name
Michihiro Mieda
Professor, Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University
Website
http://neurophysiol.w3.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/ (*Written in Japanese)
Research Collaborator(s)
  • Takashi Maejima
    Associate Professor, Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University

Circadian rhythms have evolved to adapt to the day/night (light/dark) cycle with a period of 24 hours, accompanying the earth’s rotation. In space, however, there does not necessarily exist a light/dark cycle of 24 hours. Therefore, it might be helpful for living in space if we could adjust the circadian period as we like. The neural network of the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which consists of many and various types of neurons, functions as the central circadian clock. We previously demonstrated that neurons expressing arginine vasopressin (AVP) is an essential component of circadian pacemaker cells in the SCN, which determine the circadian period length.

In this study, we are aiming to understand the network mechanism of circadian period determination centered on AVP neurons, using genetic tools and genetically engineered mice that we have developed. In addition, we examine whether mice with lengthened (~25 hours) circadian period are indeed adaptive to lengthened (25 hour) light/dark cycle more than normal mice. Furthermore, we try to develop methods to optogenetically modify the circadian period in mice. Considering application to higher mammals, we will also challenge to manipulate circadian period using solely viral vectors but not transgenic technology in mice.