Uncovering the Genetic Basis of Sleep: Use of Clock Mutant Mice
Abstract
Our overall goal is to use the mouse to identify genetic elements controlling sleep. We will use the Clock mutant mouse because of finding that Clock mutants, in addition to their circadian abnormalities, sleep less than wild-type mice. Over the past year, we have examined how the Clock mutation alters sleep and body temperature rhythms under stressful conditions. Correspondingly, body temperature decreased during the recovery dark period in wild-types but did not change in Clock/Clock mica. Finally, a negative rebound in delta power was observed in wild-type mica, but not in Clock/Clock mice. These results indicate that the Clock gene disrupts the pattern and amount of sleep, as well as the amplitude of the body temperature rhythm under baseline and stressful conditions. We have also examined sleep in neonatal pups to determine if pups could be used in mutagenesis screening. Our findings in mica, and in other studies in rats, that a simple behavior in the neonate can be used to detect genetic differences observed in adult sleep represent a 'proof of principle' that it will be possible to use behavioral states in the neonate to uncover unknown genes involved in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle of mammals. Other studies carried out under this proposal are described.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA395708
Entities
People
- Fred W. Turek
- Martha H. Vitatema
Organizations
- Northwestern University