![]() The non-invasive technique for measuring gene expression may also have applications in other areas of research. “One interesting finding is that food affects gene expression, so after lunch Per2 has a small peak, leading to that post lunch slump.” ![]() “Gene expression can be altered by external factors, such as jet lag”, says Sarah. The technique will also allow researchers to assess whether jet lag cures, such as melatonin tablets, actually do anything to alter gene expression. Further work is being carried out to identify if the activity of these genes can be permanently altered through unnatural sleep patterns – in shift work, for example. The researchers are now looking at various conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to see if this may be linked to disturbed circadian rhythms. However, in humans these genes appear to work together with both peaking around the same time,” explains Sarah. “It has always been assumed that human genes would work in the same way as those for mice where two genes Per2 and Bmal1 work in opposition, Per2 peaking for sleep and Bmal1 peaking for wakefulness. One key finding from this work is that humans differ significantly to mice. The technique is the first that allows researchers to look at RNA using these mouth swabs, rather than DNA. The novel technique for measuring gene expression is currently only being used by Professor Johannes Thome’s research team in the Department of Neuroscience and Molecular Psychiatry at Swansea, but is opening up this field of research as individuals can take part in research whilst continuing with their normal day and night activities. ![]() If your peak is earlier than 4pm it would indicate that you are a natural early bird, if you peak later than 5pm then you are more of a night owl.” “But by taking samples at 4pm and 5pm to assess the activity of the REV-ERB gene, we will be able to see if patterns of peak gene expression are shifted forwards or back in time from the norm of 4pm. “To get a full and accurate picture of someone’s natural circadian rhythm you would need to take samples four hourly over a full day and night, and also look at all the genes involved,” explains Sarah. Results will be made available to individuals online. Samples were taken at the start (4pm) and end (5pm) of the event at the Cheltenham Science Festival, and are being analysed by the Swansea researchers. The gene examined at the Cheltenham Science Festival event, known as REV-ERB, works in opposition to Per2 having its peak activity at around 4pm, and is thought by researchers at Swansea to be the gene associated with wakefulness. One gene known as Per2 produces the highest levels of RNA at around 4am, and is the gene that is associated with sleeping. The levels of RNA produced by these different genes indicate how active they are at different times of day. Our technique allows us to get a useable sample just by swabbing the inside of an individual’s cheek.”Ī number of different genes control an individual’s ‘natural’ pattern of wake and sleep – otherwise known as their circadian rhythm. “Previously you needed to take blood samples to obtain the RNA (ribonucleic acid) needed for this type of research. “The novel technique we have developed at Swansea is entirely non-invasive, so we can use it at a public event”, explains Sarah Forbes-Robertson, Research Fellow at the School of Medicine, Swansea University.
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