GLIAL CLOCKS - THE ROLE OF GLIAL CELLS IN THE CIRCADIAN PLASTICITY

Circadian plasticity of the nervous system represents the particular type of neuronal plasticity that manifests itself in rhythmic (with a period of approximately 24 hours) changes of morphology and physiology of the nervous structure. It is generated by so called circadian clocks. Recent reports show that not only neurons but also certain types of glial cells can function as the clocks. Being equipped in the endogenous pacemaker mechanism, they reveal rhythmic changes of morphology and gene expression. What is more, they influence the functioning of neuronal clocks and the behavioral rhythmicity of the organism. This paper summarizes the recent studies on the role of glia in generating and regulating the circadian rhythmicity of the nervous tissue.