Project Description:
The Haas/Lu project* will investigate the inner workings of the brain's timekeeper. Biological clocks have been found in organisms as diverse as fungi, fruit flies, rodents, and humans. In humans, the biological clock arises from a small nucleus found deep within the brain, the suprachaismatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN receives input from the eyes, and the rhythmic patterns of neuronal activity within the SCN vary with daylight. Together, the Haas/Lu team will examine whether the neuropeptides native to the SCN alter the electrical connections between neurons, and whether the circadian rhythms and electrical connections can be modulated by blocking neuropeptide actions. Our research will help us to understand how circadian rhythms are controlled by the brain.