斑马鱼生物钟分子遗传学和基因组学研究进展

Molecular genetic and genomic mechanisms of the zebrafish circadian clock

生物钟是生物长期适应地球昼夜循环变化而演化的内在自持的计时机制。生物钟对分子、生化、细胞、生理和行为等基本生命过程起到重要的调节作用。生物钟紊乱会导致机体失调而引发各类疾病。斑马鱼作为一种重要的脊椎动物模型在研究生物钟方面有其独特的特点与优势。现主要综述利用转基因技术、突变体分析和转录组手段等解析斑马鱼生物钟调节机制的最新进展。

The circadian clock is endogenous and self-sustained time-keeping mechanisms evolved from long-term adaptation of life to the cycling physical environment of the Earth, and plays modulatory roles in various fundamental life processes from molecular, biochemical, cellular, physiological, to behavioral levels. Circadian misalignment leads to malfunctions and in-balance of the body, and a variety of diseases. The zebrafish（Danio rerio） as an important animal model has recently figured prominently for investigating regulatory mechanisms of vertebrate circadian clocks. Here we focus on reviewing the latest progresses of employing the transgenic technique, mutational analysis and transcriptome tools to elucidate molecular genetic and genomic mechanisms underlying the zebrafish circadian clock.