A neuropeptide speeds circadian entrainment by reducing intercellular synchrony

Abstract

Significance Daily rhythms in behavior depend on the coordinated cycling of circadian neurons in the brain. Here, we found that a neuropeptide that is required for synchrony among circadian neurons also, surprisingly, dose-dependently reduces synchrony among circadian cells. We find this allows the system to adjust how quickly it entrains to environmental cycles. We propose that treatments that enhance this signaling pathway could reduce jet lag associated with shift work and travel across time zones.