Abstract
The molecular components of mammalian circadian clocks are elusive. We have isolated a human gene termed RIGUI that encodes a bHLH/PAS protein 44% homologous to Drosophila period. The highly conserved mouse homolog (m-rigui) is expressed in a circadian pattern in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the master regulator of circadian clocks in mammals. Circadian expression in the SCN continues in constant darkness, and a shift in the light/dark cycle evokes a proportional shift of m-rigui expression in the SCN. m-rigui transcripts also appear in a periodic pattern in Purkinje neurons, pars tuberalis, and retina, but with a timing of oscillation different from that seen in the SCN. Sequence homology and circadian patterns of expression suggest that RIGUI is a mammalian ortholog of the Drosophila period gene, raising the possibility that a regulator of circadian clocks is conserved.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Adaptation, Ocular / physiology
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Animals
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Cell Cycle Proteins
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Circadian Rhythm / genetics*
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DNA, Complementary / analysis
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Drosophila
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Drosophila Proteins
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Gene Expression / physiology
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Humans
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In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
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Mammals
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Nuclear Proteins / genetics*
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Period Circadian Proteins
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Periodicity
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Purkinje Cells / physiology
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RNA, Messenger / analysis
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RNA, Messenger / isolation & purification
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Retina / physiology
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Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
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Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / physiology
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Transcription, Genetic / physiology
Substances
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Cell Cycle Proteins
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DNA, Complementary
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Drosophila Proteins
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Nuclear Proteins
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PER protein, Drosophila
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PER1 protein, human
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Per1 protein, mouse
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Period Circadian Proteins
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RNA, Messenger
Associated data
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GENBANK/AF022991
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GENBANK/AF022992