Modulation of clock genes expression by glutamate in the retina of Gallus gallus

Author(s)

Rafael Benjamin Araújo Dias

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Biociências (IBIOC/SB)
• Defense date: 2014-01-31

Examining board members

Ana Maria de Lauro Castrucci; Daniella do Carmo Buonfiglio; Debora Rejane Fior Chadi

• Advisor: Ana Maria de Lauro Castrucci

Abstract

The evolution of life on earth was possible thanks to the development of precise temporal mechanisms to adjust physiological processes to environmental cycles, thus promoting gains in the individual adaptive and behavioral ability. The retina plays a very important role of paramount importance in this process through the perception of photic information that allows the adjustment of circadian rhythms. In this tissue, glutamate functions in the transmission of photic information directed to both image formation and biological clock entrainment. The aim of this study was to evaluate how glutamate, applied for different periods (6 and 12h), is able to modulate the expression of the clock genes in the retina of Gallus gallus. Using different protocols involving the administration of 100μM glutamate for 6 and 12 hours and with different repetitions (1 and 3 pulses) the expression of Clock, Per2 and Bmal1 genes was evaluated by quantitative PCR. Clock gene responds with activation of transcription to both treatments depending on the repetition of the stimulus. As for Per2 gene, glutamate treatment imposes an oscillation with an ultradian expression rhythm, whereas medium changes do not affect its transcription. The expression of Bmal1 gene is not affected by either medium changes or glutamate. Further studies should be encouraged in order to elucidate the pathways by which glutamate leads to observed oscillation profile, and which mechanism triggered by the repetition of medium changes acts as signal to establish cell synchronization (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/02475-0 - Clock gene modulation by glutamate ionotropic receptors
• Grantee: Rafael Benjamin Araújo Dias
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master