Circadian rhythms are central to physiology; they organize cellular and biochemical events around the 24h day and create the precise temporal order that is necessary for life. The circadian system consists of a network of central and peripheral circadian clocks that interact to coordinate innumerable aspects of physiology and behaviour and thus synchronize the organism internally and with the outside world. The physiological regulatory mechanisms that integrate multiple clocks into a functional circadian system remain largely unknown (Fig. 1).
Major discoveries in circadian biology in the past twenty years have revealed the details of the molecular clockwork involved in generating the precise timing of physiology and biochemistry in organisms. These have provided powerful tools to the physiologist and led to the recognition that circadian clocks are present in numerous tissues and organs throughout the animal. The precise function of each of these autonomous clocks is not always clear and the way in which these multiple independent clocks are coordinated into a single functional circadian system is understood in only vague terms. Circadian physiology is now well placed to provide a more complete and integrated picture of the circadian system in animals. The critical role of the circadian system to animal physiology is emphasized by the deleterious consequences of its disruption. It has become increasingly clear in today’s world of electric lighting, shiftwork, and social jet lag that there is a pressing need to understand the contribution of the circadian system to health and disease.
My collaborative research program employs an integrative and evolutionary approach to investigate the circadian physiology of diverse organisms to gain insights into circadian organizational principles in animals. I am broadly interested in the mechanisms by which the circadian system is coordinated and in turn orchestrates physiology and behaviour, in health and disease.
We currently take advantage of several animal model systems to study the circadian regulation of various complex physiological processes. We utilize a variety of complimentary physiological, biochemical, and molecular techniques as needed and available to answer key questions in circadian physiology.
For more information about specific projects click the button above.
