Circadian clocks: Lessons from fish

M. Laura Idda, Cristiano Bertolucci, Daniela Vallone, Yoav Gothilf, Francisco Javier Sánchez-Vázquez, Nicholas S. Foulkes*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

82 Scopus citations

Abstract

Our understanding of the molecular and cellular organization of the circadian timing system in vertebrates has increased enormously over the past decade. In large part, progress has been based on genetic studies in the mouse as well as on fundamental similarities between vertebrate and Drosophila clocks. The zebrafish was initially considered as a potentially attractive genetic model for identifying vertebrate clock genes. However, instead, fish have ultimately proven to be valuable complementary models for studying various aspects of clock biology. For example, many fish can shift from diurnal to nocturnal activity implying specific flexibility in their clock function. We have learned much about the function of light input pathways, and the ontogeny and function of the pineal organ, the fish central pacemaker. Finally, blind cavefish have also provided new insight into the evolution of the circadian clock under extreme environmental conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProgress in Brain Research
PublisherElsevier B.V.
Pages41-57
Number of pages17
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012

Publication series

NameProgress in Brain Research
Volume199
ISSN (Print)0079-6123
ISSN (Electronic)1875-7855

Funding

FundersFunder number
AIT-MIUR1200/08
Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft
Max-Planck Institute
SENECA08743/PI/08
Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst
Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca
Israel Science Foundation
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación
Università degli Studi di Ferrara

    Keywords

    • Blind clocks
    • Cavefish
    • Cell lines
    • Clock mutants
    • Clock ontogeny
    • Genetics
    • Peripheral clocks
    • Pineal gland
    • Zebrafish

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