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

  • Erin L. McDearmon
  • , Kush N. Patel
  • , Caroline H. Ko
  • , Jacqueline A. Walisser
  • , Andrew C. Schook
  • , Jason L. Chong
  • , Lisa D. Wilsbacher
  • , Eun J. Song
  • , Hee Kyung Hong
  • , Christopher A. Bradfield
  • , Joseph S. Takahashi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

288 Scopus citations

Abstract

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-l- 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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1304-1308
Number of pages5
JournalScience
Volume314
Issue number5803
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 24 2006

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