Circadian mechanisms articles from across Nature Portfolio

β arrestin1-mediated endosomal GPCR signaling is shown to be a crucial component of light-induced entrainment of the central circadian clock in mammals.

Heterogeneity between VIP and GRP neurons, and among VIP neurons, underlies V1a receptor–dependent vasopressin signaling in the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus, the locus of the master circadian oscillator in the body.

This study reveals that the AVP cellular oscillator and VIP signaling form a core neuronal feedback loop in the suprachiasmatic nucleus that generates robust circadian rhythms, as uncovered using dual-color fiber photometry and genetic approaches.

This study shows that animals can adapt behaviorally to warm environments by speeding up their internal clocks. Suprathreshold temperatures activate the Lim1 pathway in the fly brain, resulting in accelerated circadian clock activity and increased early morning activity.

Circadian misalignment affects physiology and metabolism and increases the risk of developing cardiometabolic disease. A pivotal study by Frank Scheer’s team provided clear evidence that misaligned sleep–wake cycles and fasting–eating cycles impair glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and blood pressure, highlighting the importance of synchronizing lifestyles with our internal biological clocks.

Astrocytic–neuronal signalling in the dorsal suprachiasmatic nucleus is essential for the maintenance of circadian timekeeping.