Prokineticin receptor 2 (Prokr2) is essential for the regulation of circadian behavior by the suprachiasmatic nuclei.

ABSTRACT: The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the brain's principal circadian pacemaker, coordinates adaptive daily cycles of behavior and physiology, including the rhythm of sleep and wakefulness. The cellular mechanism sustaining SCN circadian timing is well characterized, but the neurochemical pathways by which SCN neurons coordinate circadian behaviors remain unknown. SCN transplant studies suggest a role for (unidentified) secreted factors, and one potential candidate is the SCN neuropeptide prokineticin 2 (Prok2). Prok2 and its cognate prokineticin receptor 2 (Prokr2/Gpcr73l1) are widely expressed in both the SCN and its neural targets, and Prok2 is light-regulated. Hence, they may contribute to cellular timing within the SCN, entrainment of the clock, and/or they may mediate circadian output.

SUBMITTER: Prosser HM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1761911 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature