Science Researcher Update: Spotlight on Meetings, Conferences, and Events

 

Symposium - Paris, France

 

Life on Earth has evolved by coping, adapting and because of the light-dark cycle due to the rotation of our planet on its axis. Circadian rhythms are widespread among all life forms and govern a remarkable array of physiological and metabolic functions. Rhythms are based on the circadian clock, is an extensive molecular network of timing mechanisms that converge to maintain organismal physiological state. In mammals, biological rhythms are established and maintained by a central clock consisting of around 20,000 pacemaker neurons found in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). SCN neurons are entrained by light, the most powerful zeitgeber (time-giver), via the retinohypothalamic tract. The central SCN clock directs rhythms in a number of peripheral tissues using several, still illdefined, output cues. These include numerous secreted paracrine signals, transduction pathways and endocrine control systems whose deciphering is biomecally and pharmacologically critical. Indeed, disruption of the synchrony within clock system leads to a number of metabolic and physiological disorders. Moreover, peripheral clocks are also entrained by extrinsic cues, specifically food intake, which operates as a powerful zeitgeber. In addition, it has been shown that various ‘nutrient sensors’ are linked to circadian rhythms, reinforcing the notion that there is a tightly coupled relationship between metabolic state and the clock. Finally, as a considerable fraction of the genome is functionally regulated by the clock, a further layer of this complex timing mechanism lies in the emerging link between cellular metabolic state and epigenetics. This Symposium is centered on the emerging links between the circadian clock system, endocrinology and cellular metabolism.

Organization: Fondation IPSEN

A time for metabolism and hormones

 

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