Circadian clocks, clock networks, arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase, and melatonin in the retina

Circadian clocks are self-sustaining genetically based molecular machines that impose ∼24 h rhythmicity on physiology and behavior that synchronize these functions with the solar day–night cycle. Circadian clocks in the vertebrate retina optimize retinal function by driving rhythms in gene expressio...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Progress in retinal and eye research 2005-07, Vol.24 (4), p.433-456
Main Authors: Iuvone, P. Michael, Tosini, Gianluca, Pozdeyev, Nikita, Haque, Rashidul, Klein, David C., Chaurasia, Shyam S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase - metabolism
Biological Clocks - physiology
Circadian Rhythm - physiology
Cyclic AMP - metabolism
Humans
Light
Melatonin - biosynthesis
Retina - metabolism
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Summary:Circadian clocks are self-sustaining genetically based molecular machines that impose ∼24 h rhythmicity on physiology and behavior that synchronize these functions with the solar day–night cycle. Circadian clocks in the vertebrate retina optimize retinal function by driving rhythms in gene expression, photoreceptor outer segment membrane turnover, and visual sensitivity. This review focuses on recent progress in understanding how clocks and light control arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), which is thought to drive the daily rhythm in melatonin production in those retinas that synthesize the neurohormone; AANAT is also thought to detoxify arylalkylamines through N-acetylation. The review will cover evidence that cAMP is a major output of the circadian clock in photoreceptor cells; and recent advances indicating that clocks and clock networks occur in multiple cell types of the retina.
ISSN:1350-9462
1873-1635
DOI:10.1016/j.preteyeres.2005.01.003