GFP fluorescence reports Period 1 circadian gene regulation in the mammalian biological clock.
Endogenous cyclic activation of a specific set of genes, including Period 1 (Per1), drive circadian rhythms in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), a biological clock nucleus of the brain. We have produced transgenic mice in which a degradable form of recombinant jellyfish green fluorescent protein (GFP) is driven by the mouse Period 1 (mPer1) gene promoter. GFP protein is expressed in the circadian neural structures of the retina and SCN. Fluorescent signals are resolved at the level of individual neurons. mPer1-driven GFP fluorescence intensity reports light-induction and circadian rhythmicity in SCN neurons. This circadian reporter transgene captures the gene expression dynamics of living biological clock neurons and ensembles, providing a novel view of this brain function.
Kuhlman
S J
SJ
Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40536-0084, USA.
Quintero
J E
JE
McMahon
D G
DG
D000818:Animals; D001683:Biological Clocks / Q000502:physiology*; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D017930:Genes, Reporter; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D007202:Indicators and Reagents / Q000378:metabolism*; D008164:Luminescent Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008809:Mice, Inbred C3H; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D056950:Period Circadian Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D013493:Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / Q000502:physiology*; D019076:Transgenes / Q000502:physiology
D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D008164:Luminescent Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; C539023:Per1 protein, mouse; D056950:Period Circadian Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins