Pioneering work in Drosophila uncovered the building blocks of
the molecular clock, consisting of transcription–translation
feedback loops (TTFLs). Subsequent experimental work
demonstrated that the mammalian TTFL is localized in cells and
tissues throughout the brain and body. Further research
established that neuronal activity ...
Pioneering work in Drosophila uncovered the building blocks of
the molecular clock, consisting of transcription–translation
feedback loops (TTFLs). Subsequent experimental work
demonstrated that the mammalian TTFL is localized in cells and
tissues throughout the brain and body. Further research
established that neuronal activity forms an essential aspect of
clock function. However, how the membrane electrical activity
of clock neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus collaborate
with the TTFL to drive circadian behaviors remains mostly
unknown. Intercellular communication synchronizes the
individual circadian oscillators to produce a precise and
coherent circadian output. Here, we briefly review significant
research that is increasing our understanding of the critical
interactions between the TTFL and neuronal and glial activity in
the generation of circadian timing signals.
