Getting into rhythm: developmental emergence of circadian clocks and behaviors

Abstract

Circadian clocks keep time to coordinate diverse behaviors and physiological functions. While molecular circadian rhythms are evident during early development, most behavioral rhythms, such as sleep–wake, do not emerge until far later. Here, we examine the development of circadian clocks, outputs, and behaviors across phylogeny, with a particular focus on Drosophila. We explore potential mechanisms for how central clocks and circadian output loci establish communication, and discuss why from an evolutionary perspective sleep–wake and other behavioral rhythms emerge long after central clocks begin keeping time.