A CLOCK-less clock.
Mammalian physiology is governed by a complex circadian timing system that involves interacting positive and negative transcriptional feedback loops. A key role in this feedback loop was attributed to the PAS domain helix-loop-helix protein CLOCK, on the basis of a dominant-negative mutation in this transcription factor. However, recent experiments by Reppert and coworkers with Clock knockout mice suggest that CLOCK is dispensable for rhythmic gene expression and behavior, presumably because other proteins can substitute for CLOCK in these animals.
Asher
Gad
G
Department of Molecular Biology, Sciences III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva-4, Switzerland.
Schibler
Ueli
U
D030201:Activin Receptors, Type I / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D056926:CLOCK Proteins; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D025461:Feedback, Physiological; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D015533:Transcriptional Activation
D030201:Activin Receptors, Type I; D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins; D056926:CLOCK Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D015534:Trans-Activators; C491259:Npas2 protein, mouse; C538944:Clock protein, mouse; C498943:Acvr1 protein, mouse