Buzz
Your preference for mornings or evenings might be written in your genes. Researchers from the University of Leicester discovered nearly 80 genes in fruit flies linked to varying circadian rhythms, as detailed in their study published in Frontiers in Neurology.
Fruit flies serve as a common model in genetic studies due to the significant overlap between their DNA and human genetics. These flies emerge from their pupal stage at varying times, influenced by their internal clocks. Some, known as "larks," transition at dawn, while others, termed "owls," do so late at night. By analyzing gene expression in these groups, researchers identified notable genetic differences, illustrated in the following diagram:
Daily gene expression patterns in fruit flies, with purple indicating above-average levels and green representing below-average levels. Image Credit: University of Leicester
Interestingly, most of the differing gene expressions between the two groups were unrelated to the previously identified clock genes associated with circadian rhythms. Lead researcher Eran Tauber likens this phenomenon to a pinball machine effect.
"When gene expression is delayed in Larks, it triggers a unique sequence of molecular events, much like a pinball taking a different path each time," he explains in a press statement. "While the outcome may be similar, the varying molecular pathways result in differing durations for the process."
Understanding the genes responsible for regulating the body's internal clock could pave the way for improved treatments for circadian system dysfunctions. These issues not only disrupt sleep but are also linked to conditions such as obesity, cancer, and psychiatric disorders.
