Dissecting the functions of the mammalian clock protein BMAL1 by tissue-specific rescue in mice

EL McDearmon, KN Patel, CH Ko, JA Walisser… - Science, 2006 - science.org
EL McDearmon, KN Patel, CH Ko, JA Walisser, AC Schook, JL Chong, LD Wilsbacher
Science, 2006science.org
The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)–Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain transcription factor BMAL1 is
an essential component of the mammalian circadian pacemaker. Bmal1–/–mice lose
circadian rhythmicity but also display tendon calcification and decreased activity, body
weight, and longevity. To investigate whether these diverse functions of BMAL1 are tissue-
specific, we produced transgenic mice that constitutively express Bmal1 in brain or muscle
and examined the effects of rescued gene expression in Bmal1–/–mice. Circadian rhythms …
The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)–Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain transcription factor BMAL1 is an essential component of the mammalian circadian pacemaker. Bmal1–/– mice lose circadian rhythmicity but also display tendon calcification and decreased activity, body weight, and longevity. To investigate whether these diverse functions of BMAL1 are tissue-specific, we produced transgenic mice that constitutively express Bmal1 in brain or muscle and examined the effects of rescued gene expression in Bmal1–/– mice. Circadian rhythms of wheel-running activity were restored in brain-rescued Bmal1–/– mice in a conditional manner; however, activity levels and body weight were lower than those of wild-type mice. In contrast, muscle-rescued Bmal1–/– mice exhibited normal activity levels and body weight yet remained behaviorally arrhythmic. Thus, Bmal1 has distinct tissue-specific functions that regulate integrative physiology.
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