Evolution shapes the responsiveness of the D-box enhancer element to light and reactive oxygen species in vertebrates.

ABSTRACT: The circadian clock is a highly conserved cell-autonomous mechanism that directs daily rhythms in most aspects of biology. Daily entrainment by environmental signals, notably light, is essential for its function. However, our understanding of the mechanisms and the evolution of photic entrainment remains incomplete. Fish represent attractive models for exploring how light regulates the circadian clock due to the direct light sensitivity of their peripheral clocks. Central to this property is the light induced expression of clock genes that is mediated by D-box enhancer elements. Here, using zebrafish cells, we reveal that the light responsive D-box enhancer serves as a nuclear target for reactive oxygen species (ROS). We demonstrate that exposure to short wavelengths of visible light trigg

SUBMITTER: Pagano C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6123470 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature