CLOCK leaves its mark on histones

Trends Biochem Sci. 2006 Nov;31(11):610-3. doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2006.09.009. Epub 2006 Oct 5.

Abstract

Transcriptional regulation of circadian rhythms in mammals involves a negative-feedback loop whereby a CLOCK-BMAL1 complex activates transcription of the genes encoding the proteins PER1 (Period 1), PER2, CRY1 (Cryptochrome 1) and CRY2, which feed back to inhibit the activity of CLOCK-BMAL1. It is becoming evident that chromatin remodeling has a crucial role in the transcriptional regulation of genes governing circadian rhythms. This is highlighted in a recent report that shows that CLOCK has histone acetyltransferase activity, thus, demonstrating that molecular components of the biological clock can themselves catalyze chromatin modifications.

MeSH terms

  • ARNTL Transcription Factors
  • Animals
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • CLOCK Proteins
  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • Circadian Rhythm
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Histones / metabolism*
  • Trans-Activators / genetics
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism*
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • ARNTL Transcription Factors
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • Chromatin
  • Histones
  • Trans-Activators
  • CLOCK Proteins