Mechanisms of Vertebrate Photoperiodism

Abstract

Although photoperiodic response has been an object of study for a long time, little is known about molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. Recently, we have identified the gene (Dio2) which regulates photoperiodic response in gonadal growth in birds and possibly in mammals. Prolactin secretion is also regulated by photoperiod. However, the mechanisms of this response are different from those of gonadal response. Here, we overview current knowledge about vertebrate photoperiodic response, providing our recent results on molecular studies.