Circadian rhythms, sleep, and metabolism
Wenyu Huang, … , Biliana Marcheva, Joseph Bass
Wenyu Huang, … , Biliana Marcheva, Joseph Bass
Published June 1, 2011
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2011;121(6):2133-2141. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI46043.
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Circadian rhythms, sleep, and metabolism

Abstract

The discovery of the genetic basis for circadian rhythms has expanded our knowledge of the temporal organization of behavior and physiology. The observations that the circadian gene network is present in most living organisms from eubacteria to humans, that most cells and tissues express autonomous clocks, and that disruption of clock genes results in metabolic dysregulation have revealed interactions between metabolism and circadian rhythms at neural, molecular, and cellular levels. A major challenge remains in understanding the interplay between brain and peripheral clocks and in determining how these interactions promote energy homeostasis across the sleep-wake cycle. In this Review, we evaluate how investigation of molecular timing may create new opportunities to understand and develop therapies for obesity and diabetes.

Authors

Wenyu Huang, Kathryn Moynihan Ramsey, Biliana Marcheva, Joseph Bass

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Figure 2

Map of neural circuits linking SCN and extra-SCN regions important in circadian and energetic control.

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Map of neural circuits linking SCN and extra-SCN regions important in ci...
CNS centers receive dual input of light and metabolic signals. Light reaches the SCN via the RHT, which in turn sends neural projections to various extra-SCN regions in the hypothalamus and brainstem that are critical for energy homeostasis and sleep, including the ARC, PVN, and ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO). The hypothalamus also receives metabolic inputs, including peptidergic hormones and nutrient metabolites, which modulate the CNS signaling. Thus signals from the exogenous environment (i.e., light) and endogenous metabolism (i.e., metabolic cues) are integrated in the CNS, the output of which in turn imparts rhythmicity on sleep and a variety of metabolic outputs, such as thermogenesis, feeding behavior, hormone secretion, and locomotor activity. IML, intermediolateral nucleus; NTS, nucleus tractus solitarius. dSPZ, dorsal subparaventricular zone; RHT, retinohypothalamic tract; vSPZ, ventral subparaventricular zone; MCH, melanocyte concentrating hormone.