Circadian Rhythm - A circadian rhythm is roughly a 24-hour cycle in the biochemical, physiological, or behavioral processes of living entities. The term "circadian" comes from the Latin circa, "around", and diem or dies, "day", meaning literally "approximately one day".
Gene Encoding - Functional product molecules, either RNA or protein that can be generated or derived from the gene
Summary:
The ability to get by on little sleep may have a strong genetic component. Recent research links multiple gene variations affecting sleep time. A person sleeps a little or a lot can depend on specific gene variation in human DNA. According to a study, people with one variation of a gene called SUR2 tend to sleep 28 minutes longer than the people with a different variation of the gene. A second type of variation in which gene encodes a protein that forms a channel that transports potassium in and out of the cells. A rare variation in a gene involved in regulating the body's daily rhythms is linked with sleeping almost 2 hours a night less than the average. Variants in a circadian-rhythm gene predict how well people perform mental tasks when sleep deprived. Alterations in a gene called DEC2 lead to a shortened sleep period in people, mice and fruit flies. Low lipid levels keep the insects buzzing past bedtime, a new study finds, suggesting a role for metabolism in regulating sleep as well.
Discussion:
I think that the topic of the gene variations affecting the sleep time is very interesting. This could actually be used in gene modification for sleep deprived people and other sleep disorders. It would be interesting to see more than sleep could be changed such as brain functions and lipid metabolism. Also, there could be simple mechanisms to correct sleep patterns for example with a jet lag during travel.
Questions:
Can the study help understand and improve sleep patterns after jet lag based on gene variations?
Are the same genes identified in the study related to more than just sleep?
Citations:
"Study: Gene variations affect sleep time." Science Online. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 9 Jan. 2011.
"Gene predicts sleepy perforamnce", Science News.org, March 24th, 2007; Vol.171 #12
"A Visual Guide to sleeping disorders", http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=118341
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