Reconsidering mammalian circadian organization

Authors

• Michael C. Tackenberg, University of KentuckyFollow
• Maria Luísa Jabbur, John Innes Centre
• Vincent M. Cassone, University of KentuckyFollow
• Jeff R. Jones, Texas AandM University

Abstract

A circadian clock enables an organism to occupy a particular temporal niche, and the evolutionary pressures associated with that temporal niche in turn shape the organization of the circadian network in which the clock is embedded. Although circadian organization has often been dichotomized into centralized and distributed systems, our modern understanding of circadian networks reveals a more complex organization that cannot be captured by this simple dichotomy. In this review, we examine how coupling between nodes of the circadian network (from cells, to tissues, to organs) gives rise to coherent circadian organization in mammals. We further highlight how comparative research on non-mammalian organisms reveals conserved and divergent strategies for circadian coupling that inform general principles of circadian network function across species.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1-2026

Notes/Citation Information

Publisher Copyright: Copyright © 2026. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1016/j.nbscr.2026.100144

Archival?

Archival

Repository Citation

Tackenberg, Michael C.; Jabbur, Maria Luísa; Cassone, Vincent M.; and Jones, Jeff R., "Reconsidering mammalian circadian organization" (2026). Biology Faculty Publications. 238.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/biology_facpub/238