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Monitoring Cell-autonomous Circadian Clock Rhythms of Gene Expression Using Luciferase Bioluminescence Reporters
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Monitoring Cell-autonomous Circadian Clock Rhythms of Gene Expression Using Luciferase Bioluminescence Reporters

Published on: September 27, 2012

Circadian activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase MAK-1 facilitates rhythms in clock-controlled genes in

Lindsay D Bennett1, Phillip Beremand, Terry L Thomas

  • 1Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.

Eukaryotic Cell
|November 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

The circadian clock controls cell growth by regulating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. This study shows the MAK-1 pathway is crucial for circadian clock output and influences hundreds of genes involved in essential cellular functions.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Mycology

Background:

  • The circadian clock orchestrates daily rhythms in gene expression, impacting diverse biological processes.
  • Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are key signaling cascades involved in cellular regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the MAK-1 MAPK pathway as an output of the circadian clock in Neurospora crassa.
  • To identify genetic targets regulated by the MAK-1 pathway and its connection to circadian control.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic deletion of MAK-1 in Neurospora crassa.
  • Transcriptome analysis to identify affected genes.
  • Analysis of gene expression rhythms for clock-controlled genes.

Main Results:

  • Deletion of MAK-1 significantly altered the expression of over 500 genes, including those involved in protein synthesis, metabolism, and transcription.
  • Over 25% of MAK-1-affected genes were previously identified as clock-controlled.
  • MAK-1 is essential for robust circadian rhythms of specific genes, including ccg-1 and NCU04352 (chitin synthase).

Conclusions:

  • The MAK-1 pathway functions as a critical output pathway for the circadian clock in Neurospora crassa.
  • Rhythmic activity of MAK-1 is linked to the circadian regulation of cellular growth and gene expression.

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