Resetting the brain clock: time course and localization of mPER1 and mPER2 protein expression in suprachiasmatic nuclei during phase shifts.
The mechanism whereby brief light pulses reset the mammalian circadian clock involves acute Per gene induction. In a previous study we investigated light-induced expression of mPer1 and mPer2 mRNA in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), with the aim of understanding the relationship between gene expression and behavioural phase shifts. In the present study, we examine the protein products of mPer1 and mPer2 genes in the core and shell region of SCN for 34 h following a phase-shifting light pulse, in order to further explore the molecular mechanism of photic entrainment. The results indicate that, during the delay zone of the phase response curve, while endogenous levels of mPER1 and mPER2 protein are falling, a light pulse produces an increase in the expression of both proteins. In contrast, during the advance zone of the phase response curve, while levels of endogenous mPER1 and mPER2 proteins are rising, a light pulse results in a further increase in mPER1 but not mPER2 protein. The regional distribution of mPER1 and mPER2 protein in the SCN follows the same pattern as their respective mRNAs, with mPER1 expression in the shell region of SCN correlated with phase advances and mPER2 in the shell region correlated with phase delays.
Department of Psychology, Columbia University, 1190 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA.
Lily
L
Yan
Rae
R
Silver
D000818:Animals; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D056950:Period Circadian Proteins; D013493:Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors; D014157:Transcription Factors; D015533:Transcriptional Activation
D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; C539023:Per1 protein, mouse; C513312:Per2 protein, mouse; D056950:Period Circadian Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors