Nature's Clock -The Rhythm of Life

The circadian clock arose early in the evolution of life. Its purpose is traditionally thought to enable organisms in adapting to the cycle of day and night. Recently, the vast extent and importance of circadian regulation has come to be more fully realized. In fact, research suggests that nearly all behaviors and physiology are somewhat controlled by the process.

In a surprising revelation, a new study suggests that the function of ALL genes in mammals is based on circadian rhythms. This new research disproves the current theory that only about 10 percent of genes are affected by “nature's clock."

While scientists have long understood that circadian rhythms regulate many behaviors, this research indicates that daily rhythm dominates all life functions, particularly metabolism. The study presents oscillation as a very basic property of all genes in human and other mammals, as opposed to being a special function of a few particular genes, as previously believed.

"When we standardize genes onto a common scale that measures levels of expression, we could not find a single gene that did not oscillate," Colorado State University researcher Andrey Ptitsyn said.

Using advanced computer algorithms, Ptitsyn, was able to establish a baseline oscillation in over 98% of all genes. The vast majority of genes were previously not known to change their expression level in a daily cycle. Older studies may have inadvertently collected skewered information as well, as some of these oscillating genes have been used as a stable reference platform in past gene expression studies.

A better understanding of oscillation properties in the genes involved with metabolism is essential to scientific progress in terms of understanding how genes interact with and regulate health and disease. However, a better understanding of how our genes function should increasingly help individuals on practical level, as well.

"Anyone who diets, for example, knows you shouldn't eat late, and now we are getting closer to understanding why exactly," said Ptitsyn. "We discovered that all genes have a significant change in pattern of activity—or expression—throughout the day. Every pathway of gene expression is affected by circadian rhythms, and the timing of the rhythms from each group of genes that are synchronized is important."

Ptitsyn also discovered alternative short and long copies of some genes oscillating in the opposite phase. These genes are essential components of leptin signaling system, which is responsible for the sensation of satiety (feeling full) after eating. The oscillating pattern varies in different organs and determines the effect of leptin on regulation of the energy balance. Better understanding gene oscillation may provide researchers with clues for developing ways to treat people who chronically overeat, for example.

Circadian rhythms are the biological rhythms that cycle over a period of about 24 hours and regulate timing for physiological functions and behaviors such as sleeping, eating and activity

Ptitsyn discovered that because gene activity oscillates in a "finely orchestrated" system, gene expression is impacted by daylight and darkness, or the lack of either. The research revealed that when exposed to a constant state of dim light or darkness, the groups of genes that typically oscillate together—such as genes responsible for the function of an organ or a specific tissue—are chaotic under this state and no longer function as a group, although they continue to oscillate in this chaotic state.

Ptitsyn says, "It's like a conductor walking away from an orchestra during a performance; each musician continues to play, gradually going out of key with the others."

Similar future research may lend further insights into the importance of light and darkness exposure and how to maximize body functioning.

By Rebecca Sato

Source: Public Library of Science

Comments

[Dov Henis]

Circadian Rhythm: Genes Are Organisms, Not Molecular Contraptions

A. "Molecular Basis And Regulation Of Circadian Rhythms In Plants"

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-07/asop-pit062408.php

B. A mechanisms of energy absorption, by which archae genes became and function as active energy packages, i.e. became living organisms:

http://www.physorg.com/news115053032.html

C. Chromosomes coil more tightly during the day and relax at night.

http://www.physorg.com/news114872572.html

D. My elsewhere suggestions re the origin of Circadian Rhythm applies neatly in the above two cases. I posit that the mechanism involved in the absorption of energy by the archae genes is the mechanism of phasing of RNA-type olygomers into replicating primal Earth organisms, individual independent genes. This phasing from chemicals to living organisms was the genesis of Earth's biosphere.

Science will comprehend one day that genes are primal and genomes are evolved organisms.

Circadian rhythm is an innate gene-genome characteristic, inborn-brought-about at the energetic conditions during the genesis of genes in the process of phasing from chemical olygomers to replicating life, to living genes which are base life energy packages.

For the archaic genes, parents of all Earth's Life, direct sunlight was the only source of energy, and it was available to them at different times of the day in accordance with their location on Earth...

Dov Henis

http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-P81pQcU1dLBbHgtjQjxG_Q--?cq=1