LIN Seminar: Circadian Clocks in Seasonal Time and Neurodegenerative Disease by Ravi Allada, Northwestern University
November 7, 2019
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Host: Scott Shippy
Abstract: Circadian clocks evolved to coordinate behavior and physiology to our 24 h environment. By measuring photoperiod (day length), circadian clocks can also mediate adaptive responses to different seasons. Yet the molecular mechanisms by which this works remains unclear. Here we describe a novel clock component important for mediating the appropriate behavioral response to changing photoperiod. Disrupted clocks are also a common element of neurodegenerative diseases and may contribute to their pathology. Using a Huntington’s model, we demonstrate that the circadian clock can play a causal role in this disease and we apply genetic screening to discover novel pathways that link the clock to neurodegeneration.
Date posted
May 15, 2019
Date updated
Oct 31, 2019