Role of clock genes in neuronal development and morphology
The proper wiring of neuronal circuits during development is essential for the neuronal control of behavior. Across animal species, sleep/wake cycle rhythms, as well as many other behavioral and physiological rhythms, are controlled by the circadian timekeeping system, a network of neurons that maintains endogenous molecular oscillations and rhythmic behavior with a ~24 hour period. The proper functioning of this circadian network requires the formation of synaptic and peptidergic connections during development.
Sex Differences in the Circadian System
A growing body of evidence indicates significant sex differences in the circadian system, but little is known about how temporal organization of physiology and behavior differs between sexes. Drosophila is a powerful model system in which to study the neuronal basis of sexual dimorphism in timekeeping thanks to its well-characterized circadian clock neuron network and a highly conserved molecular oscillator.