scholarly journals The Summer Is Coming: nocte and timeless Genes Are Influenced by Temperature Cycles and May Affect Aedes aegypti Locomotor Activity

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rayane Teles-de-Freitas ◽  
Gustavo B. S. Rivas ◽  
Alexandre A. Peixoto ◽  
Rafaela Vieira Bruno

Mosquitoes exhibit activity rhythms, crucial for the transmission of pathogens, under the control of a circadian clock. Aedes aegypti is one of the world’s leading vectors. For decades, several studies have linked the rise in ambient temperature with the increase in their activity. Here, we identify candidate genes whose expression is influenced by temperature cycles and may affect Aedes locomotor activity. We observed that timeless completely lost its rhythmic expression in light/dark, with out-of-phase temperature cycles, and by RNAi mediated knockdown of nocte, an important gene for Drosophila circadian synchronization by temperature cycles. Thus, timeless and nocte are important genes for synchronization by temperature cycles in Aedes aegypti. To reinforce our findings, we simulated in the laboratory the gradual temperature fluctuations that were as close as possible to daily temperature variations in Brazil. We observed that the activity and the expression of the molecular circadian clock of Ae. aegypti differs significantly from that of mosquitoes subjected to constant or rectangular abrupt changes in temperature. We suggest that for understanding the circadian behavior of Aedes with possible implications for intervention strategies, the seminatural paradigm needs to replace the traditional laboratory study.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Cassone ◽  
Jiffin K. Paulose ◽  
Charles V. Cassone ◽  
Kinga B. Graniczkowska

Microbiology ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 151 (8) ◽  
pp. 2605-2613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayna L. Ditty ◽  
Shannon R. Canales ◽  
Breanne E. Anderson ◽  
Stanly B. Williams ◽  
Susan S. Golden

The kaiA, kaiB and kaiC genes encode the core components of the cyanobacterial circadian clock in Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. Rhythmic expression patterns of kaiA and of the kaiBC operon normally peak in synchrony. In some mutants the relative timing of peaks (phase relationship) between these transcription units is altered, but circadian rhythms persist robustly. In this study, the importance of the transcriptional timing of kai genes was examined. Expressing either kaiA or kaiBC from a heterologous promoter whose peak expression occurs 12 h out of phase from the norm, and thus 12 h out of phase from the other kai locus, did not affect the time required for one cycle (period) or phase of the circadian rhythm, as measured by bioluminescence reporters. Furthermore, the data confirm that specific cis elements within the promoters of the kai genes are not necessary to sustain clock function.


2021 ◽  
pp. 074873042110458
Author(s):  
Carson V. Fulgham ◽  
Austin P. Dreyer ◽  
Anita Nasseri ◽  
Asia N. Miller ◽  
Jacob Love ◽  
...  

Many behaviors exhibit ~24-h oscillations under control of an endogenous circadian timing system that tracks time of day via a molecular circadian clock. In the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, most circadian research has focused on the generation of locomotor activity rhythms, but a fundamental question is how the circadian clock orchestrates multiple distinct behavioral outputs. Here, we have investigated the cells and circuits mediating circadian control of feeding behavior. Using an array of genetic tools, we show that, as is the case for locomotor activity rhythms, the presence of feeding rhythms requires molecular clock function in the ventrolateral clock neurons of the central brain. We further demonstrate that the speed of molecular clock oscillations in these neurons dictates the free-running period length of feeding rhythms. In contrast to the effects observed with central clock cell manipulations, we show that genetic abrogation of the molecular clock in the fat body, a peripheral metabolic tissue, is without effect on feeding behavior. Interestingly, we find that molecular clocks in the brain and fat body of control flies gradually grow out of phase with one another under free-running conditions, likely due to a long endogenous period of the fat body clock. Under these conditions, the period of feeding rhythms tracks with molecular oscillations in central brain clock cells, consistent with a primary role of the brain clock in dictating the timing of feeding behavior. Finally, despite a lack of effect of fat body selective manipulations, we find that flies with simultaneous disruption of molecular clocks in multiple peripheral tissues (but with intact central clocks) exhibit decreased feeding rhythm strength and reduced overall food intake. We conclude that both central and peripheral clocks contribute to the regulation of feeding rhythms, with a particularly dominant, pacemaker role for specific populations of central brain clock cells.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Katharina Eick ◽  
Maite Ogueta ◽  
Edgar Buhl ◽  
James J. L. Hodge ◽  
Ralf Stanewsky

AbstractCation Chloride Cotransporters (CCC’s) regulate intracellular chloride ion concentration ([Cl−]i) within neurons, which can reverse the direction of the neuronal response to the neurotransmitter GABA. Na+ K+ Cl− (NKCC) and K+ Cl− (KCC) cotransporters transport Cl− into or out of the cell, respectively. When NKCC activity dominates, the resulting high [Cl−]i can lead to an excitatory and depolarizing response of the neuron upon GABAA receptor opening, while KCC dominance has the opposite effect. This inhibitory-to-excitatory GABA switch has been linked to seasonal adaption of circadian clock function to changing day length, and its dysregulation is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy. Constant light normally disrupts circadian clock function and leads to arrhythmic behavior. Here, we demonstrate a function for KCC in regulating Drosophila locomotor activity and GABA responses in circadian clock neurons because alteration of KCC expression in circadian clock neurons elicits rhythmic behavior in constant light. We observed the same effects after downregulation of the Wnk and Fray kinases, which modulate CCC activity in a [Cl−]i-dependent manner. Patch-clamp recordings from clock neurons show that downregulation of KCC results in a more positive GABA reversal potential, while KCC overexpression has the opposite effect. Finally, KCC downregulation represses morning behavioral activity during long photoperiods, while downregulation of NKCC promotes morning activity. In summary, our results support a model in which the regulation of [Cl−]i by a KCC/NKCC/Wnk/Fray feedback loop determines the response of clock neurons to GABA, which is important for adjusting behavioral activity to constant light and long-day conditions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
N I Bektas ◽  
G Akcay ◽  
N Derin ◽  
D Adiguzel ◽  
C Celik-Ozenci

Abstract Study question Are molecular clock genes (MCGs) expressed rhythmically in mouse placenta, and whether maternal circadian rhythm disruption (MCRD) is associated with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) through disturbing rhythmic expression of MCGs? Summary answer Maternal circadian disruption causes impaired rhythmic expression of MCGs (Bmal1, Clock, Npas2, Per1, Per2, Per3, Cry1, and Cry2) and IUGR during placenta development in mice. What is known already The world economy is based on a 24/7 society and shift work or jet travel across time zones disrupts circadian rhythm in pregnant women. Evidence indicates that gestational chrono-disruption results in IUGR. Mature mouse and human placenta express MCGs. There is no information in the literature on whether the MCG expression in the placenta is rhythmic or not and whether the rhythmic expression of MCGs is impaired due to MCRD during pregnancy. Also, it is not known whether the association with MCRD and IUGR is related to MCGs. Study design, size, duration Young adult female BALB/c mice were paired with males until vaginal plug formation was verified. Females were randomly assigned to two groups: control and phase-advance. Controls remained on a constant 12-hr light:12-hr dark cycle, whereas phase-advanced mice were subjected to 6-hr advances in the LD cycle every 5 days. Placentae (n = 1329) and fetuses were obtained from 144 mice at Zeitgeber time (ZT)0, ZT6, ZT12, and ZT18 days 12, 14, and 16 of pregnancy. Participants/materials, setting, methods The following analysis was performed: (i) open field test was used for locomotor activity evaluations to confirm MCRD, (ii) placenta/fetus weight ratio for evaluation of IUGR development, (iii) morphometric evaluation of placental compartments utilizing H&E staining (iv) gene expression analysis of MCGs utilizing qRT-PCR. One-way and Two-way ANOVA test followed by Holm-Sidak posthoc test was used for multiple comparisons. Values are expressed as mean ± standard error, and values below p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Main results and the role of chance Expression of MCGs (Bmal1, Clock, Npas2, Per1, Per2, Per3, Cry1, and Cry2) was rhythmic in the early and mature placenta development stages (days 12, 14, 16). Locomotor activity tests reveal that the total distance covered on the 16th day of pregnancy significantly decreased compared to the control group (p = 0.000158). The ratio of the time spent in the outer/inner quadrant, an anxiety indicator, significantly increased in the MCRD group on the 14th (p = 0.0351) and 16th days of pregnancy (p = 0.000329). While the number of fetuses was similar in both groups for all gestational days (p = 0.896), in the MCRD group, the fetus/placenta weight ratio decreased significantly on the 12th and 16th days of pregnancy (p < 0.001). Thus, IUGR developed due to MCRD. Histomorphometry analysis of the placental compartments revealed a significant reduction in the spongiotrophoblast layer’s size on all days of pregnancy and the labyrinth layer on day 16 (p < 0.05). Finally, the rhythmic expression MCGs were impaired in placentas obtained from MCRD groups on days 12th, 14th, 6th of pregnancy (p < 0.001). In conclusion, we found a robust relationship with the disturbed MCGs expression and occurrence of IUGR during a chrono-disrupted gestation. Limitations, reasons for caution Since this study was conducted in mice, care should be taken when translating the results to humans. Wider implications of the findings: Our results in mice are important for initiating basic science knowledge regarding the outcomes of maternal chrono-disruption. Moreover, research in the placenta of gestational chrono-disrupted mothers, such as shift-workers, are urgently needed to translate our findings into the clinic. Trial registration number TUBITAK–119S121 and Akdeniz University Research Projects Unit TYL–2018–3960


2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (47) ◽  
pp. e2111183118
Author(s):  
Jessica E. Schwarz ◽  
Anna N. King ◽  
Cynthia T. Hsu ◽  
Annika F. Barber ◽  
Amita Sehgal

Sleep is controlled by homeostatic mechanisms, which drive sleep after wakefulness, and a circadian clock, which confers the 24-h rhythm of sleep. These processes interact with each other to control the timing of sleep in a daily cycle as well as following sleep deprivation. However, the mechanisms by which they interact are poorly understood. We show here that hugin+ neurons, previously identified as neurons that function downstream of the clock to regulate rhythms of locomotor activity, are also targets of the sleep homeostat. Sleep deprivation decreases activity of hugin+ neurons, likely to suppress circadian-driven activity during recovery sleep, and ablation of hugin+ neurons promotes sleep increases generated by activation of the homeostatic sleep locus, the dorsal fan-shaped body (dFB). Also, mutations in peptides produced by the hugin+ locus increase recovery sleep following deprivation. Transsynaptic mapping reveals that hugin+ neurons feed back onto central clock neurons, which also show decreased activity upon sleep loss, in a Hugin peptide–dependent fashion. We propose that hugin+ neurons integrate circadian and sleep signals to modulate circadian circuitry and regulate the timing of sleep.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-139
Author(s):  
Yu-E DING ◽  
Wenkai HUANG ◽  
Bo SHU ◽  
Ying-Ning ZOU ◽  
Qiang-Sheng WU ◽  
...  

Circadian clock is usually involved in many physiological processes of plants, including responses to abiotic stress, whilst pseudo-response regulator 7 (PRR7) gene is the main component of the circadian clock. In this study, the cDNA of the PRR7 gene was obtained from trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata). Based on the sequence analysis, the PtPRR7 gene had an open reading frame of 2343 bp, encoded 780 amino acids, and contained proteins of the REC and CCT domains. Subcellular localization indicated that PtPRR7 was mainly localized in the nucleus and a small amount of cytoplasm. qRT-PCR analysis revealed the highest expression level of PtPRR7 in roots than in both shoots and leaves. The PtPRR7 gene during 24 hours of soil water deficit exhibited a circadian rhythmic expression pattern: the expression peak at 9:00 am in leaves and at 21:00 pm in roots. Drought treatment affected PtPRR7 gene expression. Such data provide important references for understanding the characteristics of PtPRR7 gene in citrus plants.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiajia Li ◽  
Renee Yin Yu ◽  
Farida Emran ◽  
Brian E. Chen ◽  
Michael E. Hughes

The circadian clock is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that generates the rhythmic expression of downstream genes. The core circadian clock drives the expression of clock-controlled genes, which in turn play critical roles in carrying out many rhythmic physiological processes. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms by which clock output genes orchestrate rhythmic signals from the brain to peripheral tissues are largely unknown. Here we explored the role of one rhythmic gene, Achilles, in regulating the rhythmic transcriptome in the fly head. Achilles is a clock-controlled gene in Drosophila that encodes a putative RNA-binding protein. Achilles expression is found in neurons throughout the fly brain using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and legacy data suggest it is not expressed in core clock neurons. Together, these observations argue against a role for Achilles in regulating the core clock. To assess its impact on circadian mRNA rhythms, we performed RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to compare the rhythmic transcriptomes of control flies and those with diminished Achilles expression in all neurons. Consistent with previous studies, we observe dramatic upregulation of immune response genes upon knock-down of Achilles. Furthermore, many circadian mRNAs lose their rhythmicity in Achilles knock-down flies, suggesting that a subset of the rhythmic transcriptome is regulated either directly or indirectly by Achilles. These Achilles-mediated rhythms are observed in genes involved in immune function and in neuronal signaling, including Prosap, Nemy and Jhl-21. A comparison of RNAseq data from control flies reveals that only 42.7% of clock-controlled genes in the fly brain are rhythmic in both males and females. As mRNA rhythms of core clock genes are largely invariant between the sexes, this observation suggests that sex-specific mechanisms are an important, and heretofore under-appreciated, regulator of the rhythmic transcriptome.


2009 ◽  
Vol 212 (10) ◽  
pp. 1436-1441 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Evans ◽  
E. P. Caragata ◽  
C. J. McMeniman ◽  
M. Woolfit ◽  
D. C. Green ◽  
...  

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