Synchronization of the mammalian circadian timing system: Light can control peripheral clocks independently of the SCN clock: Alternate routes of entrainment optimize the alignment of the body's circadian clock network with external time.

摘要

A network of cellular circadian clocks adapts physiology to the 24-hour day cycle. Traditionally clock entrainment has been conceptualized in a hierarchical scheme with a light-reset SCN pacemaker that subsequently aligns subordinate peripheral clocks. New experiments suggest that resetting of the circadian system occurs in a more “federated” fashion allowing for increased noise resistance and plasticity of circadian timekeeping under complex natural conditions.