Abstract

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus is the site of the master circadian clock in mammals, a complex tissue composed of multiple, coupled, single-cell circadian oscillators. Mathematical modeling is now providing insights on how individual SCN cells might interact and assemble to create an integrated pacemaker that governs the circadian behavior of whole animals. In this article, we will discuss the neurobiological constraints for modeling SCN behavior, system precision, implications of cellular heterogeneity, and analysis of heterogeneously coupled oscillator networks. Mathematical approaches will be critical for better understanding intercellular interactions within the SCN.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)211-219
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Biological Rhythms
Volume22
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2007

Keywords

  • Coupled oscillators
  • Kuramoto model
  • Suprachiasmatic nucleus

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