Circadian rhythms: new functions for old clock genes

The mechanisms of circadian clocks, which time daily events, are being investigated by characterizing ‘clock genes’ that affect daily rhythms. The core of the clock mechanism in Drosophila, Neurospora, mammals and cyanobacteria is described by a transcription–translation feedback-loop model. However...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Trends in genetics 2000-03, Vol.16 (3), p.135-142
Main Author: Lakin-Thomas, Patricia L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acetabularia - genetics
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Cell physiology
Circadian rhythm
Circadian Rhythm - genetics
Clock
Cyanobacteria - genetics
Cyanophyta
Drosophila
Drosophila melanogaster
Drosophila melanogaster - genetics
Feedback
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
gene expression
Gene Expression Regulation
Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal
genes
Genes, Bacterial
Genes, Fungal
Genes, Plant
genetic regulation
Humans
Mammals - genetics
Mice
Miscellaneous
Models, Biological
Models, Genetic
Molecular and cellular biology
Mutagenesis
Neurospora
Neurospora crassa
Neurospora crassa - genetics
Phototransduction
Protein Biosynthesis
Protein Structure, Tertiary - genetics
transcription (genetics)
Transcription, Genetic
translation
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The mechanisms of circadian clocks, which time daily events, are being investigated by characterizing ‘clock genes’ that affect daily rhythms. The core of the clock mechanism in Drosophila, Neurospora, mammals and cyanobacteria is described by a transcription–translation feedback-loop model. However, problems with this model could indicate that it is time to look at the functions of these genes in a different light. Our a priori assumptions about the nature of circadian clocks might have restricted our search for new mutants in ways that prevent us from finding important clock genes.
ISSN:0168-9525
DOI:10.1016/S0168-9525(99)01945-9