Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026
06:53
Parallel Measurement of Circadian Clock Gene Expression and Hormone Secretion in Human Primary Cell Cultures
Published on: November 11, 2016
7.9K
DEC1/STRA13/SHARP2 and DEC2/SHARP1 coordinate physiological processes, including circadian rhythms in response to
Yukio Kato1, Takeshi Kawamoto1, Katsumi Fujimoto1
1Department of Dental and Medical Biochemistry, Basic Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
Current Topics in Developmental Biology
|September 25, 2014
Summary
Daily rhythms are controlled by molecular clocks. The study reveals how DEC1 and DEC2 proteins regulate these clocks and influence behavior, metabolism, and responses to environmental stimuli like light and TGF-β.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Circadian rhythms are fundamental to physiological and behavioral processes.
- Molecular clocks, including proteins like CLOCK and BMAL1, orchestrate these daily rhythms.
- DEC1 (BHLHe40) and DEC2 (BHLHe41) are basic helix-loop-helix proteins implicated in circadian regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of DEC1 and DEC2 proteins in the molecular circadian clock.
- To investigate how DEC1 and DEC2 interact with other clock components and regulate gene expression.
- To explore the broader functions of DEC1 and DEC2 beyond circadian rhythms, including responses to stimuli and disease.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the transcriptional regulation of DEC1 and DEC2 by CLOCK:BMAL1.
- Investigation of the negative feedback loops involving DEC1/DEC2 and PER/CRY proteins.
- Examination of DEC1's role in light-induced phase shifting and TGF-β-induced resetting of circadian clocks.
- Study of DEC1 and DEC2 interactions with transcription factors (e.g., HIF-1α) and their involvement in cellular responses.
Main Results:
- DEC1 and DEC2 are induced by CLOCK:BMAL1 and subsequently inhibit their own expression, forming a negative feedback loop.
- DEC1 influences circadian phase adjustments in response to light and TGF-β.
- DEC1 and DEC2 regulate clock output signals affecting behavior and metabolism.
- DEC1 and DEC2 participate in hypoxia responses, immune reactions, and carcinogenesis through direct DNA binding or protein interactions.
Conclusions:
- DEC1 and DEC2 are crucial components of the mammalian circadian clock, contributing to rhythm maintenance and output regulation.
- These proteins integrate external stimuli, such as light and growth factors, into the circadian system.
- DEC1 and DEC2 have diverse roles beyond circadian timing, impacting cellular responses and disease processes.
- DEC1 and DEC2 are key mediators of adaptation to various environmental cues.
Related Concept Videos
02:19Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
3.4K
The biological clock is involved in many aspects of regulating complex physiology in all animals. It was in 1935 when German zoologists, Hans Kalmus and Erwin Bünning, discovered the existence of circadian rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the internal molecular mechanisms behind the circadian clock remained a mystery until 1984, when Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young discovered the expression of the Per gene oscillating over a 24-hour cycle. In subsequent...
3.4K
02:19Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
2.1K
2.1K
02:45Biological Clocks and Seasonal Responses
35.9K
The circadian—or biological—clock is an intrinsic, timekeeping, molecular mechanism that allows plants to coordinate physiological activities over 24-hour cycles called circadian rhythms. Photoperiodism is a collective term for the biological responses of plants to variations in the relative lengths of dark and light periods. The period of light-exposure is called the photoperiod.
35.9K
02:00Photoreceptors and Plant Responses to Light
22.5K
Light plays a significant role in regulating the growth and development of plants. In addition to providing energy for photosynthesis, light provides other important cues to regulate a range of developmental and physiological responses in plants.
22.5K
01:15Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response
496
Circadian rhythms are cyclic changes that are crucial in plasma drug concentrations. Various standard circadian parameters, including core body temperature, heart rate, and other cardiovascular factors, directly impact disease states and the therapeutic response to drug therapy.
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
496