Credits: CC0 public domain Recent sleep surveys show that Singaporeans are among the world's most sleep-deprived people...
Recent sleep surveys show that Singaporeans are among the world's most sleep-deprived people. Scientists from the Duke-NUS School of Medicine (Duke-NUS) and the University of Tokyo are providing new insights to demonstrate the presence of a key mechanism that regulates our biological clock. In the study published in PNAS , the team used preclinical models to validate that PER2 protein mutations can upset the balance of the circadian period, which can lead to sleep disorders.
Biological clocks are the innate timekeeping device of an organism. It consists of specific proteins called clock proteins that interact in cells throughout the body. Biological clocks generate and regulate circadian rhythms , physical, mental and behavioral changes that follow a daily cycle. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of the circadian clock has tremendous potential for identifying therapeutic interventions to alleviate circadian disorders and their long-term consequences, such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer, in shift workers who frequently experience circadian disorders and are more prone to these diseases. .
The Duke NUS scientists had previously discovered that mutations in a certain protein (called casein kinase 1) change the central clock of the protein (called period or PER) and thus the time of the biological clock . In this study, preclinical models were used to study the role of PER2 (a type of PER protein) in regulating the clock to better understand and strengthen the model.
"The results of the study clearly showed that targeted mutations in the PER2 protein disrupt the balance of the biological clock and can dramatically increase the circadian period in preclinical models," said Dr. Rajesh Narasimamurthy, lead researcher at Duke-NUS 'Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program (CSCB).
"People's sleeping / waking habits play an important role in determining their cognitive abilities , social behavior, and drug response," said Professor David Virshup, CSCB program director at Duke-NUS and author correspondent. this study.
"Our study helps us understand and validate the genetic and biochemical regulation of our circadian sleep / wake cycles, which can have a morning lark or night owl effect. Understanding how the clock works can help develop new therapeutic interventions to treat people with sleep disorders, "added Professor Virshup.
"Sleep disorders are increasingly recognized as a major public health problem. This important study by our researchers could open up new opportunities and strategies for treating sleep disorders and improving the quality of life for sufferers in Singapore and Singapore," said Professor Patrick Casey, senior vice dean for research at Duke -NUS.
The team is currently investigating other factors that can cause a mutation in the PER2 protein and can regulate the clock rate.
Quote : Those suffering from sleep disorders can get help from the mechanism that regulates the biological clock (2020, May 4th) published on May 10th, 2020 at https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05- disorder has been restored -mechanism -biological-clock.html
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