Circadian Rhythmicity

Although nine genes have been proposed to be components of the mouse circadian clock, definitive genetic evidence for their participation is not available for the majority of these genes. For example, the null mutants of mPer1 and mPer3 produced by gene targeting do not reveal an abnormal circadian phenotype. To understand the function of the known genes implicated in circadian regulation and to discover new circadian genes, we will screen 10,000 progeny of mutagenized mice per year for circadian rhythms by measuring locomotor activity rhythms.

A more detailed description is also available in PDF form.