Circadian clock activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells of preterm and term neonates

We established a model system for analyzing the peripheral clock in preterm and term HUVECs. In HUVECs, the peripheral clock exhibits functional in vitro activity independent of gestational age or birth weight categories. In this model system, neither significant developmental differences exist in the period, amplitude, and phase, nor in the expression of circadian core clock and clock-associated genes. Entrainment and proper function of the circadian clock deserve attention in neonatal intensive care.