The search for the location and functional significance of non-canonical circadian pacemaker(s)

September 26, 2024 @ 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Shin Yamazaki, UT Southwestern Medical Center

008 Mueller Laboratory
University Park

Abstract:
Through the seminal contributions of numerous pioneers, the mammalian circadian pacemaker in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) was identified ~50 years ago. ~25 years ago, subsequent researchers’ risky efforts revealed a circadian molecular timekeeping mechanism based on transcription-translation feedback loops in animals and cloned the circadian genes involved. This promptly led us and others to discover circadian oscillators in most peripheral organs. Since then, a model has emerged of the mammalian circadian system as a hierarchical chrono-architecture in which the central, primary pacemaker, the SCN, orchestrates an ensemble of rhythms in peripheral tissues. Disruption of circadian organization can result in malaise and disease. In the past several years, we and other researchers have noticed that existence of non-canonical circadian pacemakers, which are located outside of the SCN and are independent of the circadian genes and molecular feedback loop mechanism. I will talk about the recent studies we have undertaken to identify this “ancient” circadian oscillator and its possible roles in physiology and behavior.

About the Speaker:
Shin Yamazaki is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the UT Southwestern Medical Center and has been an active scientist in the field of circadian rhythms for over 30 years. He has published over 80 peer-reviewed primary research articles. He has supervised independent research of 4 post-doctoral fellows, 9 graduate students, 31 undergraduates, 9 high school students. As a director of the Imaging Facility in the Department of Neuroscience and a director of the Peter O’Donnell Brain Institute NeuroMicroscopy core, he oversees and maintains confocal and super-resolution microscopes.

Contact

Paul Bartell
pab43@psu.edu