Genes Protect Against Sleep Deprivation

Researchers have identified two genes that help to safeguard against the stress of sleep deprivation. Working with fruit flies, they found that mutants lacking these genes would die after only a few hours of being deprived of sleep. Mammals have sleep-related genes that are similar to those in the fly, so the work published in the May 16, 2002, issue of Nature is also applicable to humans.

One of the genes has previously been shown to play an important role in controlling our internal clock. This clock transmits signals that ultimately control the cycle of sleeping and waking. The other gene, a heat-shock gene, has been shown to play an important role in protecting the body against stress. Mutant flies lacking the clock control gene died after ten hours of sleep deprivation. Other mutants lacking the heat-shock gene also died after sleep deprivation.

"For many years, most scientists have believed that the sleep and clock mechanisms were independent, although it was widely recognized that they could influence one another,” said Dr. Paul Shaw of The Neurosciences Institute (San Diego CA, USA; www.nsi.edu). "Our data suggest a much more intimate relationship.”

The researchers conclude with the warning that sleeping plays a vital biologic role and should not be disregarded when planning the day's activities.



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