The circadian clock and pathology of the ageing brain

AA Kondratova, RV Kondratov - Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2012 - nature.com
AA Kondratova, RV Kondratov
Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2012nature.com
Ageing leads to a functional deterioration of many brain systems, including the circadian
clock—an internal time-keeping system that generates∼ 24-hour rhythms in physiology and
behaviour. Numerous clinical studies have established a direct correlation between
abnormal circadian clock functions and the severity of neurodegenerative and sleep
disorders. Latest data from experiments in model organisms, gene expression studies and
clinical trials imply that dysfunctions of the circadian clock contribute to ageing and age …
Abstract
Ageing leads to a functional deterioration of many brain systems, including the circadian clock — an internal time-keeping system that generates ∼24-hour rhythms in physiology and behaviour. Numerous clinical studies have established a direct correlation between abnormal circadian clock functions and the severity of neurodegenerative and sleep disorders. Latest data from experiments in model organisms, gene expression studies and clinical trials imply that dysfunctions of the circadian clock contribute to ageing and age-associated pathologies, thereby suggesting a functional link between the circadian clock and age-associated decline of brain functions. Potential molecular mechanisms underlying this link include the circadian control of physiological processes such as brain metabolism, reactive oxygen species homeostasis, hormone secretion, autophagy and stem cell proliferation.
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