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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
10:38
Monitoring Cell-autonomous Circadian Clock Rhythms of Gene Expression Using Luciferase Bioluminescence Reporters
Published on: September 27, 2012
AMPK regulates circadian rhythms in a tissue- and isoform-specific manner
Jee-Hyun Um1, Julie S Pendergast, Danielle A Springer
1Laboratory of Obesity and Aging Research, Genetics and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America.
Plos One
|April 13, 2011
Summary
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) catalytic activity regulates circadian rhythms in behavior and metabolism. This study shows isoform- and tissue-specific effects of AMPK on the body
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Molecular Metabolism
- Biochemistry
Background:
- AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) influences energy metabolism and food intake, synchronized with light-dark cycles.
- In vitro studies show AMPK regulates circadian clock components CKIα and CRY1.
- In vivo regulation of circadian rhythm by AMPK catalytic activity remains unelucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo role of AMPK catalytic activity in regulating circadian rhythms.
- To determine the isoform-specific (α1 and α2) and tissue-specific functions of AMPK in circadian regulation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of circadian rhythms in behavior, physiology, and gene expression in AMPKα1-/- and AMPKα2-/- mice.
- Assessment of circadian activity patterns, body temperature rhythms, and core clock gene expression.
- Investigation of nicotinamide phosphoryl-transferase (NAMPT) activity rhythms in AMPK-deficient tissues and cells.
Main Results:
- Both AMPKα1-/- and AMPKα2-/- mice maintained circadian activity, with α1-/- exhibiting a shorter period and α2-/- a tendency for a longer period.
- Circadian body temperature rhythms were dampened in α1-/- mice.
- Core clock gene expression rhythms were disrupted in fat of α1-/- mice and in the heart/skeletal muscle of α2-/- mice; NAMPT rhythm was absent in AMPK-deficient tissues.
Conclusions:
- AMPK catalytic activity plays a critical role in regulating circadian rhythms.
- The regulation is isoform- and tissue-specific, affecting behavior, energy metabolism, and gene expression.
- Disruption of AMPK isoforms impacts key circadian regulators like NAMPT.
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