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Project information
At the Cross-road of Magnetic Fields and Light: A New Perspective of Cell Clock Control.

Project Identification
MUNI/G/1391/2018
Project Period
3/2019 - 6/2022
Investor / Pogramme / Project type
Masaryk University
  • Grant Agency of Masaryk University
  • INTERDISCIPLINARY - Interdisciplinary research projects
MU Faculty or unit
Faculty of Science
Other MU Faculty/Unit
Faculty of Medicine
Other MU Faculty/Unit
Central European Institute of Technology
  • Michael Andäng, PhD

It has been clearly shown that there is an association between the circadian clock and human health. A circadian feedback loop of clock gene expression is synchronized by light and the clock protein Cryptochrome (Cry) was shown to mediate such clock entrainment by light in Drosophila. Interestingly, the same protein was shown to be indispensable for magnetoreception and circadian rhythms are impacted by magnetic fields likely via Cry. Despite extensive research, synthetic theoretical framework putting together rather fragmental cases of magnetosensitivity based on Cry is missing, in particular in mammalian cells and tissues. The project addresses still unknown interplay between light and magnetic field on the cellular level under strictly controlled conditions. It gathers three, so far not collaborating, teams to employ state-of-the-art techniques of molecular embryology, genetic analysis and physical treatments to answer several hypotheses all focusing on Cry and other clock genes in the center. We will tackle the problem of mammalian Cry photo- and magnetosensitivity and consequent hypothetical impacts of light and magnetic fields on cellular and developmental programs controlled by circadian clock. The project profits from sharing of theoretical and methodological knowledge as well as unique instrumentation unattainable elsewhere. Due to the novel multidisciplinary approach the outputs may advance our understanding of important environmental impacts on processes orchestrating networks of cellular communication on the intersection of neural function, development, regeneration and circadian control.

Sustainable Development Goals

Masaryk University is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to improve the conditions and quality of life on our planet by 2030.

Sustainable Development Goal No. 3 – Good health and well-being

Publications

Total number of publications: 8

2022

2021

2020

2019

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