Closing the Circadian Loop: CLOCK-Induced Transcription of Its Own Inhibitors per and tim

摘要

The circadian oscillator generates a rhythmic output with a period of about 24 hours. Despite extensive studies in several model systems, the biochemical mode of action has Not yet been demonstrated for any of its components. Here, the Drosophila CLOCK Protein was shown to induce transcription of the circadian rhythm genes period and Timeless. DCLOCK functioned as a heterodimer with a Drosophila homolog of BMAL1. These proteins acted through an E-box sequence in the period promoter.