Imagine your brain as a finely-tuned clock, keeping your body on schedule. But what happens when that clock goes haywire? A group of researchers wanted to find out, so they decided to study the effects of chronic jet lag-like conditions on mice’s brains. They discovered that these conditions, similar to those experienced by people who work night shifts or travel frequently across time zones, can mess with the genes and biological functions associated with serious neurological disorders. It’s like throwing a wrench into the gears of a well-oiled machine! One major finding was that serotonin – a key player in mood regulation – was significantly altered in the brains of mice subjected to chronic jet lag. This suggests that disrupted sleep patterns could contribute to psychiatric illnesses. Additionally, important regulatory genes in regions like the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex were thrown off balance, potentially setting the stage for neurological disorders. These results provide valuable insights into how our circadian rhythms affect our brain health, opening doors for future research and treatment strategies.
BackgroundPatients with neurological disorders often display altered circadian rhythms. The disrupted circadian rhythms through chronic jetlag or shiftwork are thought to increase the risk and severity of human disease including, cancer, psychiatric, and related brain diseases.ResultsIn this study, we investigated the impact of shiftwork or chronic jetlag (CJL) like conditions on mice’s brain. Transcriptome profiling based on RNA sequencing revealed that genes associated with serious neurological disorders were differentially expressed in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and prefrontal cortex (PFC). According to the quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis, several key regulatory genes associated with neurological disorders were significantly altered in the NAc, PFC, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and striatum. Serotonin levels and the expression levels of serotonin transporters and receptors were significantly altered in mice treated with CJL.ConclusionOverall, these results indicate that CJL may increase the risk of neurological disorders by disrupting the key regulatory genes, biological functions, serotonin, and corticosterone. These molecular linkages can further be studied to investigate the mechanism underlying CJL or shiftwork-mediated neurological disorders in order to develop treatment strategies.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.