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Updated: May 23, 2026

In Vitro Bioluminescence Assay to Characterize Circadian Rhythm in Mammary Epithelial Cells
Published on: September 28, 2017
JNK regulates the photic response of the mammalian circadian clock
Hikari Yoshitane1, Sato Honma, Kiyomichi Imamura
1Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
Abstract:
The posttranslational regulation of mammalian clock proteins has been assigned a time-keeping function, but seems to have more essential roles. Here we show that c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), identified by inhibitor screening of BMAL1 phosphorylation at Ser 520/Thr 527/Ser 592, confers dynamic regulation on the clock. Knockdown of JNK1 and JNK2 abrogates BMAL1 phosphorylation and lengthens circadian period in fibroblasts. Mice deficient for neuron-specific isoform JNK3 have altered behavioural rhythms, with longer free-running period and compromised phase shifts to light. The locomotor rhythms are insensitive to intensity variance of constant light, deviating from Aschoff's rule. Thus, JNK regulates a core characteristic of the circadian clock by controlling the oscillation speed and the phase in response to light.
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