Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

Detection of RNA-binding Proteins by In Vitro RNA Pull-down in Adipocyte Culture
Published on: July 22, 2016
Cold-induced RNA-binding proteins regulate circadian gene expression by controlling alternative polyadenylation
Yuting Liu1, Wenchao Hu, Yasuhiro Murakawa
1CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes of Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
Two cold-induced RNA-binding proteins, Cirbp and Rbm3, control circadian gene expression by regulating alternative polyadenylation. Their depletion disrupts circadian rhythms by altering 3'UTR length and polyadenylation site selection.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Molecular Biology
- Gene Regulation
Background:
- Body temperature synchronizes mammalian circadian rhythms via unknown mechanisms.
- Circadian gene expression is crucial for physiological processes.
- RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play roles in post-transcriptional regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of cold-induced RBPs, Cirbp and Rbm3, in temperature-entrained circadian gene expression.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which these RBPs regulate circadian rhythms.
Main Methods:
- Depletion of Cirbp and Rbm3 in mammalian cells.
- Poly(A)-tail-specific RNA immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (PAR-CLIP) to identify RBP binding sites.
- Analysis of 3'UTR length and polyadenylation site (PAS) usage.
- Measurement of core circadian gene expression amplitudes.
Main Results:
- Depletion of Cirbp or Rbm3 significantly reduced the amplitude of core circadian genes.
- Cirbp and Rbm3 bind to 3'UTRs near polyadenylation sites.
- Cirbp/Rbm3 depletion shortened 3'UTRs; low temperature (upregulating Cirbp/Rbm3) lengthened them.
- Cirbp and Rbm3 repress proximal PAS usage, influencing circadian oscillations in PAS selection.
Conclusions:
- Cirbp and Rbm3 are key regulators of temperature-entrained circadian gene expression.
- These RBPs control circadian rhythms by modulating alternative polyadenylation (APA).
- APA is a critical mechanism for synchronizing peripheral clocks to body temperature cues.
Related Concept Videos
Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
Translational Regulation
Types of RNA
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...
Types of RNA
RNA Performs Diverse...
Chromatin Structure Regulates pre-mRNA Processing
The chromatin structure, especially...

