It was possible to detect a gene that determines the length of sleep necessary for rest, US scientists from the University of California in San Francisco.

In the course of the study, the specialists made the discovery thanks to two women (mothers and daughters) who during their lifetime slept for about six hours a day. While most people, in the opinion of scientists, need at least eight hours of sleep for normal functioning. Researchers found a mutation in the female gene DEC2. The protein encoded by this gene suppresses the expression of other genes that regulate the duration of circadian rhythms.

Then the scientists removed laboratory animals (mice and fruit fly) with a similar mutation and assessed their behavior and activity during the day. In addition, in mice, researchers measured the duration of the fast and slow phases of sleep using electroencephalography and electromyography.

Scientists have found that the experimental animals who had a mutation of the DEC2 gene needed significantly less time for rest and recovery. At the next stage of the work, scientists plan to find out what role this gene plays in regulating these processes.

The researchers concluded that the DEC2 gene encodes a protein that suppresses transcription, and the gene mutation weakens the activity of this protein. Also, DEC2 can affect not only the duration of sleep, but also the behavioral activity during wakefulness, experts noted..

Medicinform. Net.

Keywords:.