Molecular Bases for Seasonal Reproduction in Birds

Abstract

Appropriate timing of various seasonal processes is crucial to the survival and reproductive success of animals inhabiting temperate regions. When seasonally breeding animals are subjected to annual changes in daylength, dramatic changes in neuroendocrine-gonadal activity ensue. However, the molecular mechanism of photoperiodic (or seasonal) time measurement (PTM) is not well understood for any organism living. Japanese quail is an excellent model for studying PTM because of the rapid and dramatic response to photoperiod. Here I describe recent progress in understanding the molecular mechanism of PTM in Japanese quail. © 2004, Japan Poultry Science Association. All rights reserved.