The history of circadian rhythm research in Austria

TL;DR

This paper reviews the history of circadian rhythm research in Austria, highlighting key scientists and their contributions to the field.

Contribution

The paper provides a historical overview of pioneering work in circadian biology in Austria, emphasizing its ongoing legacy and current research directions.

Findings

Vienna has a long history of pioneering circadian rhythm research, with contributions from scientists like Otto Marburg and Paul Engel.

Early studies showed the pineal gland's role in light-controlled physiology and its impact on tumor growth and melatonin regulation.

Modern researchers in Vienna continue to explore circadian disruptions and chronotherapeutic approaches for health applications.

Abstract

In view of the recent revival of interest in circadian biology and circadian epidemiology at the Medical University of Vienna, it seems appropriate to highlight the rich and pioneering history of circadian research in Austria. Among the forefathers of circadian research in Vienna are Otto Marburg (1874–1948), who discovered important elements of the pineal gland physiology, Robert Hofstätter (1883–1970), who used pineal gland extract in obstetrics/gynecology, and Paul Engel (1907–1997), who discovered that the pineal gland was controlled by light. More recently, Vera Lapin (1920–2007) showed that surgical removal of the pineal gland increased tumor growth, while Franz Waldhauser (*1946) investigated melatonin in conjunction with night work. Michael Kundi (*1950) and his team conducted among the first studies demonstrating differences in rhythms of night workers and early evidence for health impairments among them. Furthermore, Vienna-born Erhard Haus (1926–2013) pioneered the discovery of the role and importance of melatonin in relation to numerous diseases. This rich pioneering contribution of scientists in Vienna or with roots in Vienna is continued today by a new generation of chronobiologists, epidemiologists and clinicians in Vienna whose new insights contribute to the rapidly developing field of circadian rhythms research. Current topics and contributions relate to the impact of circadian rhythm disruption on health, and the application of chronotherapeutic approaches in clinical and preventive settings.