Sleep in
IN PHOTO: A woman sleeps in an undated photo. Relatively healthy individuals who experience sleep disruptions at night appear to have an increased risk activity of factors associated with the development of a blood clot, also referred to as a thrombus. REUTERS/PRNEWSFOTO

Researchers found the answer to the phenomenon of the internal body clock in the molecular level. This new discovery hopes to treat disorders associated with sleeping disturbances, such as jet lag, shift work and depression.

The study published online in the Nature Neuroscience journal revealed that the body clock is rebooted through a process called phosphorylation. Phosphorylation refers to the integration of phosphate and a particular protein in the brain when exposed in light. When light is present, the mechanisms of period proteins are triggered significantly. Period proteins are essential substances that enhance the body clock’s ability to reset. Through these substances, the body clock is able to synchronise with the different environmental changes day in and day out. "This study is the first to reveal a mechanism that explains how light regulates protein synthesis in the brain, and how this affects the function of the circadian clock," said Nahum Sonenberg, senior author and professor in McGill's Department of Biochemistry.

The researchers investigated the brain clock’s mechanisms by modifying the protein called eIF4E found in the brain of a laboratory mouse. They made the necessary changes to the said protein in such a way that it will not undergo the process of phosphorylation. As mammals have the similar brain and body clock structures, this experiment aims to depict what happens in humans’ brains under the given circumstance.

Initially, the researchers observed how the mutated mouse models go through in their running activity by putting running wheels in their cages. Through this method, the authors were able to ascertain the circadian rhythms of the modified study subjects.

The findings of the study revealed that those whose eIF4E had been rid of phosphorylation exhibited poorer response to light rest effects. The mutated mice were specifically exposed to 10.5 hours of light and 10.5 hours of dark lights, as opposed to their usual exposure of 12 hours for each period.

The researchers are still not sure when this new discovery can be translated to clinical use, but they believe that they have indeed paved the way for future advancements in this particular field of study, said Ruifeng Cao, lead author and postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Sonenberg's research group.

"Disruption of the circadian rhythm is sometimes unavoidable but it can lead to serious consequences,” said Shimon Amir, co-author and professor in Concordia's Department of Psychology. “This research is really about the importance of the circadian rhythm to our general well-being. We've taken an important step towards being able to reset our internal clocks -- and improve the health of thousands as a result."

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