Oscillator network modeling of the circadian rhythms and its application to their control

为了了解Cry基因在哺乳动物生物钟中的作用，本项目试图构建视交叉上核(SCN)中神经元网络的数学模型。对Cry1和Cry2双缺陷小鼠的SCN数据进行单细胞分析。与野生型SCN相比，突变型SCN神经元表现出更大的噪声水平和更多的周期变化。对SCN切片进行进一步分析。新生儿表现出明显的节律性，神经元活动同步，而这种节律性在成年后立即被破坏。我们的数学模型表明，在发育过程中，网络结构(耦合强度和相位)可能会发生变化，这可能会极大地改变网络的动态。接下来，向拟南芥注入多个光脉冲来解除植物昼夜节律系统的同步和重新同步。实验证明了利用相响应特性对被控对象进行控制的有效性。

Towards understanding the role of Cry genes in the mammalian circadian clock, this project attempted to construct a mathematical model of a neuronal network in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Single cell analysis was applied to the SCN data recorded from Cry1 and Cry2 double deficient mice. Compared to the wild-type SCN, the mutant SCN neurons showed larger level of noise and more variation of the periods. The SCN slice was further analyzed. The neonate showed a clear rhythmicity with synchronized neuronal activities, whereas this rhythmicity was instantly destroyed in the adult. Our mathematical model implies that the network structure (coupling strength and phase) may change during the development, which may drastically change the network dynamics.Next, multiple light pulses were injected to Arabidopsis thaliana to desynchronize and resynchronize the plant circadian system. Our experiment demonstrates the efficiency of using the phase response property for controlling the plant.