Nobel Prize – Three American Researchers Awarded for Medical Recognition in the Study of Circadian Rhythm

The circadian rhythm, also known as the daily biological clock, plays a crucial role in the lives of living organisms, as it helps them adapt to the rotation of the Earth. This rhythm is fundamental for plants, animals, and humans alike, as it allows biological processes to align with the different phases of the day. The functioning of circadian rhythms has long intrigued scientists, who have discovered how the internal clock of living beings facilitates adaptation to the daily rhythm.

Various research findings indicate that circadian rhythms are not only applicable to humans but also to other multicellular organisms. Particularly exciting discoveries have been made in recent decades that illuminate the molecular background of circadian rhythms. These studies have opened a new world in which we can better understand the functioning and facilitation of biological clocks.

Understanding circadian rhythms is not only important from a scientific perspective but also has significant implications for our health and quality of life. The harmony between internal clocks and the external environment is key to maintaining well-being, and disruptions can lead to serious health issues.

The Importance of Circadian Rhythm

The circadian rhythm plays a key role in regulating biological processes that align with the 24-hour cycle of the day. This rhythm enables the organism to adapt to environmental changes, such as the alternation of light and dark periods. The Latin-derived term “circadian” refers to this, as it is composed of the words “circa” (around) and “diem” (day), indicating that the rhythm occurs approximately within a day’s cycle.

The discovery of circadian rhythms has led to various research studies using fruit flies as model organisms. Researchers identified a gene that regulates the daily biological rhythm and demonstrated that the product of this gene, the PER protein, accumulates at night and degrades during the day. This discovery fundamentally changed the scientific approach to circadian rhythms and allowed for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved.

During research, other proteins involved in the regulation of circadian rhythm have also been identified, leading to the understanding that the functioning of biological clocks operates on similar principles in other organisms, including humans. This knowledge provides insight into how circadian rhythms influence our health and the development of various diseases.

The Functioning of the Internal Clock

The internal clock precisely regulates the functioning of the body during different phases of the day and plays a key role in functions such as behavior, hormonal levels, sleep, body temperature, and metabolism. The state of human health is closely linked to the harmonious relationship between the internal biological clock and the external environment. If this harmony is disrupted, for example, when crossing time zones, various disturbances can occur in the functioning of the body.

Numerous studies suggest that chronic disruptions of the circadian rhythm are associated with the development of various diseases, such as sleep disorders, depression, and other mental health issues. Scientists have noted in the past that plants and animals can adapt to environmental changes. For instance, during the 18th century, Jean Jacques d’Ortous de Mairan observed that the leaves of mimosa open during the day and droop at dusk.

In the 1970s, researchers made further important discoveries while studying the genes and proteins responsible for regulating the circadian rhythm in fruit flies. For example, mutations in the period gene disrupted the daily rhythm of the flies, opening new avenues for understanding the genetic foundations of circadian rhythms.

Disruptions of Circadian Rhythm and Their Consequences

Disruptions of circadian rhythms can cause numerous problems that affect our physical and mental health. Research has shown that rhythm disturbances can lead not only to depression but also to various other mental and physical illnesses. Scientists have concluded that a harmonious relationship between the internal clock and the external environment is essential for the optimal functioning of the body.

Symptoms of circadian disruptions include fatigue, sleep disorders, mood swings, and chronic stress. It is important for the scientific community to continue exploring the understanding of circadian rhythms and to find new solutions for treating disruptions. Researchers are continuously working to uncover the factors influencing circadian rhythms and to understand how to restore a normal rhythm.

Research on circadian rhythms also opens new possibilities in drug development, as scientific findings can lead to the development of treatments and medications that may help address sleep disorders and other mental health issues.

Scientists and Their Discoveries

Three scientists researching the molecular mechanisms of circadian rhythms, Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young, have received significant recognition for their contributions to a deeper understanding of the functioning of biological clocks. For these discoveries, they were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, which has drawn attention not only from the scientific community but also from the general public.

Jeffrey C. Hall completed his studies at the University of Washington and continued his research at Brandeis University. He focused on the nervous system of fruit flies, paying particular attention to the genetic background of circadian rhythms. Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young are also researchers at Brandeis University and Rockefeller University, studying the genetic and molecular mechanisms related to circadian rhythms.

Their discoveries have not only sparked great interest in the scientific sphere but have also opened new possibilities for the treatment of various sleep disorders and mental health issues. A deeper understanding of circadian rhythms may help in developing more effective medications and treatment methods that can contribute to improving people’s health.