Role of clock genes in neuronal development
The proper wiring of neuronal circuits during development is essential for the neuronal control of behavior. Across animal species, sleep/wake cycle rhythms, as well as many other behavioral and physiological rhythms, are controlled by the circadian timekeeping system, a network of neurons that maintains endogenous molecular oscillations and rhythmic behavior with a ~24 hour period. The proper functioning of this circadian network requires the formation of synaptic and peptidergic connections during development.