Circadian Rhythms: A Framework for Understanding Biological Complexity Along Temporal Dimension
January 25, 2011 @ 04:00 pm
to 05:00 pm
Satchin Panda, Salk Institute for Biological Studies
100 Life Sciences Building (Berg Auditorium)
Hosted by the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology department. Abstract Circadian (~24 h) rhythms in physiology, metabolism and behavior constitute a robust framework for understanding biological system dynamics. The core circadian oscillator is based on a cell autonomous transcriptional feed-back circuit composed of a number of transcriptional regulators. These oscillator components utilize a network of downstream nodes to integrate systemic signals to impose rhythmic transcription of a significant proportion of the genome in a tissue-specific manner, thereby tuning cellular function in anticipation of predictable daily changes. The organism also uses an overlapping set of transcriptional regulators to acutely change transcription in response to abrupt environmental variables, such as light and food availability. These circadian and acute transcription dynamics ensure temporal separation of incompatible processes, and dynamic allocation of cellular resources to optimize productivity and minimize cellular damage. Dampening in the amplitude of the clock and altered responses to acute changes in the environment, which results in inefficient use of cellular resources and acceleration of cellular damage, are significant hallmarks of chronic diseases and aging. Research in my lab intends to identify components of the mammalian circadian system, understand the mechanisms by which they participate in maintaining robust oscillators, and genome wide temporal orchestration of transcription by the circadian clock.
Contact
Tamara S. Housel
txh9@psu.edu
814-865-3072