Cracking the Code: Deciphering the Brain's Master Clock.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have discovered that a molecule called SIK3, which is involved in sleep homeostasis, also plays a critical role in circadian behavior in mice. The molecule can influence the length of the circadian cycle and the timing of peak arousal activity without changing the daily sleep amount. The SIK3-HDAC4 pathway modulates the length of the circadian period through NMS-producing neurons and contributes to the sleep/wake rhythm. The findings could lead to new treatments for sleep and circadian rhythm disorders in humans.