14-3-3 Proteins and photoneuroendocrine transduction: role in controlling the daily rhythm in melatonin
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Updated: Jul 22, 2026

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Published on: December 8, 2013
1Section on Neuroendocrinology, Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4480, USA. klein@helix.nih.gov
Abstract:
This paper describes the role 14-3-3 proteins play in vertebrate photoneuroendocrine transduction. 14-3-3 proteins form a complex with arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), the enzyme which turns melatonin production on during the day and off at night. Complex formation is triggered at night by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of the enzyme, and results in activation and protection against proteolysis. This enhances melatonin production >10-fold. Light exposure results in dephosphorylation of the enzyme and disassociation from 14-3-3, leading to destruction and a rapid drop in melatonin production and release and circulating levels.
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