The circadian output gene takeout is regulated by Pdp1epsilon

The circadian clock controls many circadian outputs. Although a large number of transcripts are affected by the circadian oscillator, very little is known about their regulation and function. We show here that the Drosophila takeout gene, one of the output genes of the circadian oscillator, is regulated similarly to the circadian clock genes Clock (Clk) and cry. takeout RNA levels are at constant high levels in Clk(JRK) mutants. The circadian transcription factor PAR domain protein 1 (Pdp1epsilon) is a transcription factor that had previously been postulated to control clock output genes, particularly genes regulated similarly to Clk. In agreement with this, we show here that Pdp1epsilon is a regulator of takeout. Takeout levels are low in flies with reduced Pdp1epsilon and high in flies with increased amounts of Pdp1epsilon. Furthermore, flies with reduced or elevated Pdp1epsilon levels in the fat body display courtship defects, identifying Pdp1epsilon as an important transcriptional regulator in that tissue.