Hypothermia modulates circadian clock gene expression in lizard peripheral tissues.
The molecular mechanisms whereby the circadian clock responds to temperature changes are poorly understood. The ruin lizard Podarcis sicula has historically proven to be a valuable vertebrate model for exploring the influence of temperature on circadian physiology. It is an ectotherm that naturally experiences an impressive range of temperatures during the course of the year. However, no tools have been available to dissect the molecular basis of the clock in this organism. Here, we report the cloning of three lizard clock gene homologs (Period2, Cryptochrome1, and Clock) that have a close phylogenetic relationship with avian clock genes. These genes are expressed in many tissues and show a rhythmic expression profile at 29 degrees C in light-dark and constant darkness lighting conditions, with phases comparable to their mammalian and avian counterparts. Interestingly, we show that at low temperatures (6 degrees C), cycling clock gene expression is attenuated in peripheral clocks with a characteristic increase in basal expression levels. We speculate that this represents a conserved vertebrate clock gene response to low temperatures. Furthermore, these results bring new insight into the issue of whether circadian clock function is compatible with hypothermia.
Vallone
Daniela
D
Max-Planck-Institut für Entwicklungsbiologie, Spemannstrasse 35, Tübingen D-72076, Germany.
Frigato
Elena
E
Vernesi
Cristiano
C
Foà
Augusto
A
Foulkes
Nicholas S
NS
Bertolucci
Cristiano
C
D000818:Animals; D056926:CLOCK Proteins; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D056931:Cryptochromes; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D005420:Flavoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008116:Lizards / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D023282:Nuclease Protection Assays; D012313:RNA / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013045:Species Specificity; D013696:Temperature; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*
D056931:Cryptochromes; D018076:DNA, Complementary; D005420:Flavoproteins; D015534:Trans-Activators; D012313:RNA; D056926:CLOCK Proteins; C538943:CLOCK protein, human