Dr. John O'Neill (MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge), discusses his research focusing on the fundamentals of cellular timekeeping. In this first part, John explains the advantages of cells as a model to study circadian rhythms. He provides evidence of why we might consider questioning the current paradigm of how cells keep time, since his group for example demonstrated that even cells without nuclei show circadian rhythms. We further highlight a fascinating study in fibroblasts showing that wounds heal much faster when inflicted during the day vs. night. Lastly, John shares his knowledge of the vital protein kinase called mTOR, and its role in daily physiology.

More information about the ERATO UK - Japan Joint Symposium: https://sys-pharm.m.u-tokyo.ac.jp/erato-uk/

Chapters:

(0:00:28) Introducing ERATO UK/Japan Joint Symposium

(0:03:15) This episode’s guest and content

(0:05:43) Dr. John O’Neill introduces himself

(0:07:46) Advantages of cells as a model to study circadian rhythms

(0:11:11) Challenging our current understanding on how cells keep time

(0:18:47) How do known time cues translate into cellular signals?

(0:26:23) Almost or all cells in the human body have a clock?

(0:29:01) Day-night rhythms in wound healing

(0:37:02) mTOR’s role in physiology

(0:43:23) Activators and inhibitors of mTOR

(0:45:41) Daily and intrinsic rhythms in mTOR’s activity

(0:46:49) Outro