Abstract
Timekeeping by circadian clocks relies upon precise adjustment of expression levels of clock proteins. Here we identify glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) as a novel and critical component of the circadian clock of Neurospora crassa that regulates the abundance of its core transcription factor white collar complex (WCC) on a post-transcriptional level. We show that GSK specifically binds and phosphorylates both subunits of the WCC. Reduced expression of GSK promotes an increased accumulation of WC-1, the limiting factor of the WCC, causing an acceleration of the circadian clock and a shorter free-running period.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Circadian Clocks*
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DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
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Fungal Proteins / genetics
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Fungal Proteins / metabolism
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Fungal Proteins / physiology*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal
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Gene Knock-In Techniques
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Glycogen Synthase Kinases / genetics
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Glycogen Synthase Kinases / metabolism
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Glycogen Synthase Kinases / physiology*
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Multiprotein Complexes / metabolism
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Neurospora crassa / enzymology*
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Neurospora crassa / physiology
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Phosphorylation
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Promoter Regions, Genetic
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Protein Binding
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Protein Processing, Post-Translational
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Spores, Fungal / enzymology
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Transcription Factors / metabolism
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Transcription, Genetic
Substances
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Fungal Proteins
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Multiprotein Complexes
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Transcription Factors
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wc-1 protein, Neurospora crassa
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Glycogen Synthase Kinases