Circadian Rhythms

In Drosophila, four to five neurons (brown staining) in each larval brain hemisphere produce autonomous circadian rhythms of period, timeless, Clock and vrille gene expression. These "clock cells" persist in the adult brain where they regulate behavioral rhythmicity. Molecular rhythms are blocked, or the pace of the rhythm is altered, in these cells and in the adult by mutations that affect production of the PER, TIM, DBT, CLK, CYC, SGG or VRI proteins.

In Drosophila, four to five neurons (brown staining) in each larval brain hemisphere produce autonomous circadian rhythms of period, timeless, Clock and vrille gene expression. These "clock cells"