Molecular Biology of Circadian Rhythms

Biological, or circadian, clocks govern such functions as sleeping and waking, rest and activity, body temperature, and oxygen consumption. Chronobiology strives to understand how cells generate circadian rhythms through molecular processes of transcription and translation. Drawing on the recent revolutionary advances in biology and genetics, Molecular Biology of Circadian Rhythms presents a comprehensive account of the current state of chronobiology, delivering a ready resource for students and practitioners.

Editor Amita Sehgal assembles chapters contributed by leading experts in the molecular analysis of circadian rhythms, representing the state of the art in this emerging discipline. The text begins with a general introduction to biochemical and biophysical aspects of circadian timing, then proceeds to its essential focus on collating the newest information on molecular mechanisms of circadian rhythms. It includes a chapter on the implications for clinical research on affective disorders, sleep disorders, and the relevance for therapeutic treatment, as well as coverage of multiple oscillators and hormonal rhythms. Sections include:

Molecular Control of Circadian Rhythms: Animal Models
Molecular Control of Circadian Rhythms: From Cyanobacteria to Plants
Circadian Organization in Complex Organisms
Chapter topics include examinations of circadian rhythms in non-mammalian vertebrates, neurospora, and humans.

Advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and medical students in molecular biology, physiology, and neuroscience will appreciate this timely reference.