Day night rhythms and clock genes

We work extensively on seasonal timing of reproduction in birds. As part of that, we also have an interest in day-night rhythms as these may (or may not) be causally linked to seasonal rhythms. In our aviary experiments we have indications that there may indeed be such a link and we also have shown that families differ in their so-called free running circadian rhythm (see figure). The next step is to look for moleculair genetic variation using a candidate gene approach, and then score wild birds, from which we have blood samples, laying dates and fitness measurement, for these genes to look at selection in the wild.

• Find candidate genes underlying this genetic variation.
• Determine genotypes of wild birds.
• Look at selection in genotype.

Interested?
Contact Marcel Visser, e-mail: m.visser@nioo.knaw.nl