Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Parallel Measurement of Circadian Clock Gene Expression and Hormone Secretion in Human Primary Cell Cultures
Published on: November 11, 2016
Circadian changes of ether-a-go-go-related-gene (Erg) potassium channel transcripts in the rat pancreas and beta-cell
E Mühlbauer1, I Bazwinsky, S Wolgast
1Saxon Academy of Sciences Leipzig, Karl Tauchnitz-Strasse 1, 04107 Leipzig, Germany. eckhard.muehlbauer@medizin.uni-halle.de
Abstract:
Evidence has previously been presented that circadian rhythms play a role in islet hormone secretion. Here, RT-PCR was used to monitor the circadian expression of ether-a-go-go-related gene (Erg) potassium channel isoforms and Erg1 splice variants. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify the pancreatic distribution patterns of ERG1a and ERG1b, as well as ERG2 and ERG3. The influence of ERG on insulin secretion was monitored by perfusion of rat INS-1 beta-cells with the blockers E-4031 and rBeKm-1. We identified Erg1a, Erg1b, Erg2 and Erg3 transcripts in islets and INS-1 cells. Immunohistochemistry showed differential expression of ERG isoforms in the islet. Ca(2+) imaging and electrophysiological recordings of INS-1 cells during ERG blocking by E-4031 indicated functional ERG channels. Serum shock treatment of INS-1 cells elicited a time-dependent expression response for Erg transcripts. These results add to the current understanding of the function of ERG channels in beta-cells and the circadian secretion processes of insulin.
Related Concept Videos
Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
Cell Specific Gene Expression
cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Pathways
Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...

