Suprachiasmatic nucleus of hypothalamus (SCN) functions as a mammalian master circadian pacemaker. NMDA receptors have been indicated as principal glutamate receptors that mediate the effect of light.
NMDA receptors are composed of at least one obligatory NR1 subunit and one or more NR2 subunits. We characterize the circadian profile and light responsiveness of NR1 subunits.