Work

Circadian Genomics Reveal a Role for Post-transcriptional Regulation in Mammals

Year: 2014

Type: review

Abstract: To maintain daily cycles, the circadian clock must tightly regulate the rhythms of thousands of mRNAs and proteins with the correct period, phase, and amplitude to ultimately drive the wide range of rhythmic biological processes. Recent genomic approaches have revolutionized our view of circadian gene expression and highlighted the importance of post-transcriptional regulation in driving mRNA rhythmicity. Even after transcripts are made from DNA, subsequent processing and regulatory steps determine when, where, and how much protein will be generated. These post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms can add flexibility to overall gene expression and alter protein levels rapidly without requiring transcript synthesis and are therefore beneficial for cells; however, the extent to which circadian post-transcriptional mechanisms contribute to rhythmic profiles throughout the genome and the mechanisms involved have not been fully elucidated. In this review, we will summarize how circadian genomics have revealed new insights into rhythmic post-transcriptional regulation in mammals and discuss potential implications of such regulation in controlling many circadian-driven physiologies.

Source: Biochemistry

DOI: 10.1021/bi500707c

Authors: Shihoko Kojima, Carla B. Green

Institution: The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Circadian rhythm and melatonin

Subfield: Endocrine and Autonomic Systems

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funders: Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke