title: Expression of IKKalpha mRNA in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and circadian rhythms of mice lacking IKKalpha.
abstract: In our previous study, quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis using mice with abnormal circadian rhythm detected a suggestive QTL, which affects the length of free-running period, on the distal region of Chromosome 19. Among the candidate genes, we have focused on Ikkalpha gene and found that Ikkalpha mRNA is expressed in the mammalian circadian pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the present study. Expression of Ikkalpha mRNA in the SCN indicated the possibility that IKKalpha is involved in the regulation of circadian clock. Therefore, to examine the role of IKKalpha in the regulation of circadian rhythms, we have further examined wheel-running activity rhythms under light-dark cycle and constant darkness, and circadian response to light. However, we could not detect any statistically significant difference between IKKalpha(+/-) mice and wild type mice. Roles of IKKalpha in the regulation of circadian system remains to be clarified in the future study.
authors.affiliation: Division of Biomodeling, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.
authors.forename: Noriko
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hayashi
authors.forename: Shinobu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yasuo
authors.forename: Shizufumi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ebihara
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yoshimura
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D051550:I-kappa B Kinase; D017403:In Situ Hybridization / Q000379:methods; D008027:Light; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000235:genetics; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D040641:Quantitative Trait Loci; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D013493:Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; C496564:Chuk protein, mouse; D051550:I-kappa B Kinase; C496562:Ikbkb protein, mouse; C496566:Ikbke protein, mouse