Circadian rhythm bifurcation induces flexible phase resetting by reducing circadian amplitude

Effects of chronic light cycle disruption during adolescence on circadian clock, neuronal activity rhythms, and behavior in mice

The advent of artificial lighting, particularly during the evening and night, has significantly altered the predictable daily light and dark cycles in recent times. Altered light environments disrupt the biological clock and negatively impact mood and cognition. Although adolescents commonly experience chronic changes in light/dark cycles, our understanding of how the adolescents' brain adapts to altered light environments remains limited. Here, we investigated the impact of chronic light cycle disruption (LCD) during adolescence, exposing adolescent mice to 19 h of light and 5 h of darkness for 5 days and 12 L:12D for 2 days per week (LCD group) for 4 weeks. We showed that LCD exposure did not affect circadian locomotor activity but impaired memory and increased avoidance response in adolescent mice. Clock gene expression and neuronal activity rhythms analysis revealed that LCD disrupted local molecular clock and neuronal activity in the dentate gyrus (DG) and in the medial amygdala (MeA) but not in the circadian pacemaker (SCN). In addition, we characterized the photoresponsiveness of the MeA and showed that somatostatin neurons are affected by acute and chronic aberrant light exposure during adolescence. Our research provides new evidence highlighting the potential consequences of altered light environments during pubertal development on neuronal physiology and behaviors.

Reversible suppression of circadian-driven locomotor rhythms in mice using a gradual fragmentation of the day-night cycle

Circadian rhythms are regulated by molecular clockwork and drive 24-h behaviors such as locomotor activity, which can be rendered non-functional through genetic knockouts of clock genes. Circadian rhythms are robust in constant darkness (DD) but are modulated to become exactly 24 h by the external day-night cycle. Whether ill-timed light and dark exposure can render circadian behaviors non-functional to the extent of genetic knockouts is less clear. In this study, we discovered an environmental approach that led to a reduction or lack in rhythmic 24-h-circadian wheel-running locomotor behavior in mice (referred to as arrhythmicity). We first observed behavioral circadian arrhythmicity when mice were gradually exposed to a previously published disruptive environment called the fragmented day-night cycle (FDN-G), while maintaining activity alignment with the four dispersed fragments of darkness. Remarkably, upon exposure to constant darkness (DD) or constant light (LL), FDN-G mice lost any resemblance to the FDN-G-only phenotype and instead, exhibited sporadic activity bursts. Circadian rhythms are maintained in control mice with sudden FDN exposure (FDN-S) and fully restored in FDN-G mice either spontaneously in DD or after 12 h:12 h light-dark exposure. This is the first study to generate a light-dark environment that induces reversible suppression of circadian locomotor rhythms in mice.

Synchronization, clustering, and weak chimeras in a densely coupled transcription-based oscillator model for split circadian rhythms

The synchronization dynamics for the circadian gene expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus is investigated using a transcriptional circadian clock gene oscillator model. With global coupling in constant dark (DD) conditions, the model exhibits a one-cluster phase synchronized state, in dim light (dim LL), bistability between one- and two-cluster states and in bright LL, a two-cluster state. The two-cluster phase synchronized state, where some oscillator pairs synchronize in-phase, and some anti-phase, can explain the splitting of the circadian clock, i.e., generation of two bouts of daily activities with certain species, e.g., with hamsters. The one- and two-cluster states can be reached by transferring the animal from DD or bright LL to dim LL, i.e., the circadian synchrony has a memory effect. The stability of the one- and two-cluster states was interpreted analytically by extracting phase models from the ordinary differential equation models. In a modular network with two strongly coupled oscillator populations with weak intragroup coupling, with appropriate initial conditions, one group is synchronized to the one-cluster state and the other group to the two-cluster state, resulting in a weak-chimera state. Computational modeling suggests that the daily rhythms in sleep-wake depend on light intensity acting on bilateral networks of suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) oscillators. Addition of a network heterogeneity (coupling between the left and right SCN) allowed the system to exhibit chimera states. The simulations can guide experiments in the circadian rhythm research to explore the effect of light intensity on the complexities of circadian desynchronization.

The Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Regulates Anxiety-Like Behavior in Mice

Individuals suffering from mood and anxiety disorders often show significant disturbances in sleep and circadian rhythms. Animal studies indicate that circadian rhythm disruption can cause increased depressive- and anxiety-like behavior, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. One potential mechanism to explain how circadian rhythms are contributing to mood and anxiety disorders is through dysregulation of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, known as the "central pacemaker." To investigate the role of the SCN in regulating depressive- and anxiety-like behavior in mice, we chronically manipulated the neural activity of the SCN using two optogenetic stimulation paradigms. As expected, chronic stimulation of the SCN late in the active phase (circadian time 21, CT21) resulted in a shortened period and dampened amplitude of homecage activity rhythms. We also repeatedly stimulated the SCN at unpredictable times during the active phase of mice when SCN firing rates are normally low. This resulted in dampened, fragmented, and unstable homecage activity rhythms. In both chronic SCN optogenetic stimulation paradigms, dampened homecage activity rhythms (decreased amplitude) were directly correlated with increased measures of anxiety-like behavior. In contrast, we only observed a correlation between behavioral despair and homecage activity amplitude in mice stimulated at CT21. Surprisingly, the change in period of homecage activity rhythms was not directly associated with anxiety- or depressive-like behavior. Finally, to determine if anxiety-like behavior is affected during a single SCN stimulation session, we acutely stimulated the SCN in the active phase (zeitgeber time 14-16, ZT14-16) during behavioral testing. Unexpectedly this also resulted in increased anxiety-like behavior. Taken together, these results indicate that SCN-mediated dampening of rhythms is directly correlated with increased anxiety-like behavior. This work is an important step in understanding how specific SCN neural activity disruptions affect depressive- and anxiety-related behavior.

Cell-Type-Specific Circadian Bioluminescence Rhythms in Dbp Reporter Mice

Circadian rhythms are endogenously generated physiological and molecular rhythms with a cycle length of about 24 h. Bioluminescent reporters have been exceptionally useful for studying circadian rhythms in numerous species. Here, we report development of a reporter mouse generated by modification of a widely expressed and highly rhythmic gene encoding D-site albumin promoter binding protein (Dbp). In this line of mice, firefly luciferase is expressed from the Dbp locus in a Cre recombinase-dependent manner, allowing assessment of bioluminescence rhythms in specific cellular populations. A mouse line in which luciferase expression was Cre-independent was also generated. The Dbp reporter alleles do not alter Dbp gene expression rhythms in liver or circadian locomotor activity rhythms. In vivo and ex vivo studies show the utility of the reporter alleles for monitoring rhythmicity. Our studies reveal cell-type-specific characteristics of rhythms among neuronal populations within the suprachiasmatic nuclei ex vivo. In vivo studies show Dbp-driven bioluminescence rhythms in the liver of Albumin-Cre;Dbp^KI/+ "liver reporter" mice. After a shift of the lighting schedule, locomotor activity achieved the proper phase relationship with the new lighting cycle more rapidly than hepatic bioluminescence did. As previously shown, restricting food access to the daytime altered the phase of hepatic rhythmicity. Our model allowed assessment of the rate of recovery from misalignment once animals were provided with food ad libitum. These studies confirm the previously demonstrated circadian misalignment following environmental perturbations and reveal the utility of this model for minimally invasive, longitudinal monitoring of rhythmicity from specific mouse tissues.

Methods for Detecting PER2:LUCIFERASE Bioluminescence Rhythms in Freely Moving Mice

Circadian rhythms are driven by daily oscillations of gene expression. An important tool for studying cellular and tissue circadian rhythms is the use of a gene reporter, such as bioluminescence from the reporter gene luciferase controlled by a rhythmically expressed gene of interest. Here we describe methods that allow measurement of circadian bioluminescence from a freely moving mouse housed in a standard cage. Using a LumiCycle In Vivo (Actimetrics), we determined conditions that allow detection of circadian rhythms of bioluminescence from the PER2 reporter, PER2::LUC, in freely behaving mice. The LumiCycle In Vivo applies a background subtraction that corrects for effects of room temperature on photomultiplier tube (PMT) output. We tested delivery of d-luciferin via a subcutaneous minipump and in the drinking water. We demonstrate spikes in bioluminescence associated with drinking bouts. Further, we demonstrate that a synthetic luciferase substrate, CycLuc1, can support circadian rhythms of bioluminescence, even when delivered at a lower concentration than d-luciferin, and can support longer-term studies. A small difference in phase of the PER2::LUC bioluminescence rhythms, with females phase leading males, can be detected with this technique. We share our analysis scripts and suggestions for further improvements in this method. This approach will be straightforward to apply to mice with tissue-specific reporters, allowing insights into responses of specific peripheral clocks to perturbations such as environmental or pharmacological manipulations.

Naturalistic Intensities of Light at Night: A Review of the Potent Effects of Very Dim Light on Circadian Responses and Considerations for Translational Research

In this review, we discuss the remarkable potency and potential applications of a form of light that is often overlooked in a circadian context: naturalistic levels of dim light at night (nLAN), equivalent to intensities produced by the moon and stars. It is often assumed that such low levels of light do not produce circadian responses typically associated with brighter light levels. A solid understanding of the impacts of very low light levels is complicated further by the broad use of the somewhat ambiguous term “dim light,” which has been used to describe light levels ranging seven orders of magnitude. Here, we lay out the argument that nLAN exerts potent circadian effects on numerous mammalian species, and that given conservation of anatomy and function, the efficacy of light in this range in humans warrants further investigation. We also provide recommendations for the field of chronobiological research, including minimum requirements for the measurement and reporting of light, standardization of terminology (specifically as it pertains to “dim” light), and ideas for reconsidering old data and designing new studies.

A Characteristic Expression Pattern of Core Circadian Genes in the Diurnal Tree Shrew

The day-active tree shrew may serve as an animal model of human-like diurnal rhythms. However, the molecular basis for circadian rhythms in this species has remained unclear. In the present study, we investigated the expression patterns of core circadian genes involved in transcriptional/translational feedback loops (TTFLs) in both central and peripheral tissues of the tree shrew. The expression of 12 core circadian genes exhibited similar rhythmic patterns in the olfactory bulb, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum, while the hypothalamus exhibited the weakest oscillations. The rhythms in peripheral tissues, especially the liver, were much more robust than those in brain tissues. ARNTL and NPAS2 were weakly rhythmic in brain tissues but exhibited almost the strongest rhythmicity in peripheral tissues. CLOCK and CRY2 exhibited the weakest rhythms in both central and peripheral tissues, while NR1D1 and CIART exhibited robust rhythms in both tissues. Most of these circadian genes were highly expressed at light/dark transitions in both brain and peripheral tissues, such as ARNTL and NPAS2 peaking at dusk while PERs peaking at dawn. Additionally, the peripheral clock was phase-advanced relative to the brain clock, as there was a significant advance (2-4 h) for PER3, DBP, NR1D1 and NR1D2. Furthermore, these genes exhibited an anti-phasic relationship between the diurnal tree shrew and the nocturnal mouse (i.e., 12-h phasing differential). Collectively, our findings demonstrate a characteristic expression pattern of core circadian genes in the tree shrew, which may provide a means for elucidating molecular mechanisms of diurnal rhythms.

Enhanced Circadian Entrainment in Mice and Its Utility under Human Shiftwork Schedules

The circadian system is generally considered to be incapable of adjusting to rapid changes in sleep/work demands. In shiftworkers this leads to chronic circadian disruption and sleep loss, which together predict underperformance at work and negative health consequences. Two distinct experimental protocols have been proposed to increase circadian flexibility in rodents using dim light at night: rhythm bifurcation and T-cycle (i.e., day length) entrainment. Successful translation of such protocols to human shiftworkers could facilitate alignment of internal time with external demands. To assess entrainment flexibility following bifurcation and exposure to T-cycles, mice in Study 1 were repeatedly phase-shifted. Mice from experimental conditions rapidly phase-shifted their activity, while control mice showed expected transient misalignment. In Study 2 and 3, mice followed a several weeks-long intervention designed to model a modified DuPont or Continental shiftwork schedule, respectively. For both schedules, bifurcation and nocturnal dim lighting reduced circadian misalignment. Together, these studies demonstrate proof of concept that mammalian circadian systems can be rendered sufficiently flexible to adapt to multiple, rapidly changing shiftwork schedules. Flexible adaptation to exotic light-dark cycles likely relies on entrainment mechanisms that are distinct from traditional entrainment.

Photoperiodic Requirements for Induction and Maintenance of Rhythm Bifurcation and Extraordinary Entrainment in Male Mice

Exposure of mice to a 24 h light:dark:light:dark (LDLD) cycle with dimly illuminated nights induces the circadian timing system to program two intervals of activity and two intervals of rest per 24 h cycle and subsequently allows entrainment to a variety of extraordinary light regimens including 30 h LDLD cycles. Little is known about critical lighting requirements to induce and maintain this non-standard entrainment pattern, termed “bifurcation,” and to enhance the range of apparent entrainment. The current study determined the necessary duration of the photophase for animals to bifurcate and assessed whether requirements for maintenance differed from those for induction. An objective index of bifurcated entrainment varied with length of the photophase over 4–10 h durations, with highest values at 8 h. To assess photic requirements for the maintenance of bifurcation, mice from each group were subsequently exposed to the LDLD cycle with 4 h photophases. While insufficient to induce bifurcation, this photoperiod maintained bifurcation in mice transferred from inductive LDLD cycles. Entrainment to 30 h LDLD cycles also varied with photoperiod duration. These studies characterize non-invasive tools that reveal latent flexibility in the circadian control of rest/activity cycles with important translational potential for addressing needs of human shift-workers.

Recurring circadian disruption alters circadian clock sensitivity to resetting

A single phase advance of the light:dark (LD) cycle can temporarily disrupt synchrony of neural circadian rhythms within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and between the SCN and peripheral tissues. Compounding this, modern life can involve repeated disruptive light conditions. To model chronic disruption to the circadian system, we exposed male mice to more than a month of a 20-hr light cycle (LD10:10), which mice typically cannot entrain to. Control animals were housed under LD12:12. We measured locomotor activity and body temperature rhythms in vivo, and rhythms of PER2::LUC bioluminescence in SCN and peripheral tissues ex vivo. Unexpectedly, we discovered strong effects of the time of dissection on circadian phase of PER2::LUC bioluminescent rhythms, which varied across tissues. White adipose tissue was strongly reset by dissection, while thymus phase appeared independent of dissection timing. Prior light exposure impacted the SCN, resulting in strong resetting of SCN phase by dissection for mice housed under LD10:10, and weak phase shifts by time of dissection in SCN from control LD12:12 mice. These findings suggest that exposure to circadian disruption may desynchronize SCN neurons, increasing network sensitivity to perturbations. We propose that tissues with a weakened circadian network, such as the SCN under disruptive light conditions, or with little to no coupling, for example, some peripheral tissues, will show increased resetting effects. In particular, exposure to light at inconsistent circadian times on a recurring weekly basis disrupts circadian rhythms and alters sensitivity of the SCN neural pacemaker to dissection time.