Ouria DKHISSI-BENYAHYA " Unraveling the light response of retinal and SCN circadian clocks in mammals"

Circadian rhythms regulate key physiological functions through a network of clocks, with the SCN serving as the master clock and others distributed throughout the body, including the retina. Light is the primary synchronizer, detected by retinal photoreceptors, including ipRGCs, which signal the SCN and other brain regions. Although both the retinal and SCN clocks are light-sensitive, they differ in their photoreceptor inputs and responsiveness to light. Modern lifestyles involving artificial and blue-enriched light exposure have disrupted natural light-dark cycles, contributing to various health issues. This presentation explores new findings on the unique retinal circadian circuitry, offering deeper insight into the mechanisms of light-based circadian regulation.