Genetic Analysis of Vertbrate Circadian Rhythmicity.
Abstract
The goal of this project was to develop technology needed to identify vertebrate circadian clock genes. An understanding of basic molecular mechanisms of biological clocks is important in designing treatments of the performance deficits, sleep disorders and other problems associated with jet lag, shift work, and organic circadian clock disorders in humans. A novel automated image analysis system was developed to measure circadian locomotor rhythms. This system was used to measure behavioral rhythms in zebrafish, a vertebrate organism that is useful for large scale mutagenesis screens. A screen for dominant mutations that alter the period of zebrafish locomotor rhythms was initiated, and 1500 animals with different mutagenized genomes were tested. The progeny of 40 putative mutants are being tested to determine whether they carry authentic clock mutations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA349604
Entities
People
- Gregory M. Cahill
Organizations
- University of Houston