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Bridging the gap: coupling single-cell oscillators in the suprachiasmatic nucleus

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Neurons in the mammalian master clock can maintain circadian rhythms in isolation, but must synchronize to function as a time-keeping system. A new study finds that gap junctions between neurons promote synchronous electrical activity and rhythmic behavior.

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Figure 1: Coupling of SCN neurons via gap junctions is important for the precision of circadian behavior.

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  1. Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, 90024, California, USA

    Christopher S Colwell

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  1. Christopher S Colwell
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Colwell, C. Bridging the gap: coupling single-cell oscillators in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Nat Neurosci 8, 10–12 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/nn0105-10

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