Molecular Oscillation Behind the Clockface

抄録

The earth rotates on its own axis while orbiting around the sun. This regular movement of the solar system results in cyclic changes of the light condition of the earth with a period of 24h, although the lengths of daytime and nighttime depend on the latitude. The organisms living on the earth have evolved an internal time-measuring system called the “circadian clock, ” which ticks with a period of approximately 24h in order to adapt to the environment and to anticipate the next cycle. The fact that most of existing organisms retain the circadian clock suggests that the clock-owner-ship must have been advantageous over non-ownership during their evolution. Here I will introduce the background of the research field of circadian rhythm and present an outline of this Special Review series, which is composed of three articles that review recent research into the molecular mechanisms of the three types of circadian clock systems in vertebrates.