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Updated: May 30, 2026
10:38
Monitoring Cell-autonomous Circadian Clock Rhythms of Gene Expression Using Luciferase Bioluminescence Reporters
Published on: September 27, 2012
A transcription factor response element for gene expression during circadian night
Hiroki R Ueda1, Wenbin Chen, Akihito Adachi
1Molecular Medicine Laboratories, Institute for Drug Discovery Research, Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd, 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan. hiro@m.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Nature
|August 2, 2002
Summary
This study reveals the crucial role of the Rev-ErbA/ROR response element in regulating gene expression within the mammalian circadian clock during nighttime. This finding aids in understanding the intricate network structures of biological rhythms.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Systems Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mammalian circadian clocks involve complex feedback loops essential for understanding system dynamics and network structures.
- Elucidating these intricate biological clocks requires comprehensive measurements and advanced techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To dissect the complex mammalian circadian clock system using a systems-biological approach.
- To identify key regulatory elements and network structures involved in circadian gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide expression profiling of suprachiasmatic nuclei and liver under different light conditions.
- Determination of transcription start sites and bioinformatical analysis of transcription factor response elements.
- In vitro validation using circadian bioluminescence reporter systems.
Main Results:
- Identified time-of-day specific gene expression patterns and their relationship with transcription factor response elements.
- Demonstrated the role of the Rev-ErbA/ROR response element in gene expression during circadian night.
- Confirmed the Rev-ErbA/ROR response element's function in phase with Bmal1 and antiphase to Per2 oscillations.
Conclusions:
- The Rev-ErbA/ROR response element plays a significant role in the molecular mechanisms of the mammalian circadian clock.
- This research provides insights into the network structures and dynamics of circadian gene regulation.
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