CHRONO integrates behavioral stress and epigenetic control of metabolism. (19th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hatanaka, Fumiyuki; Takumi, Toru
• Is Part Of: Annals of medicine. Volume 49:Number 4(2017)
• Page Start: 352
• Page End: 356
• Publication Date: 2017-05-19
• Subjects: Ciradian rhythm -- clock gene -- epigenetics -- stress -- metabolism; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2016.1276301
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0785-3890

Abstract

Abstract: Circadian rhythms are a critical part of the body's homeostatic mechanisms. These rhythms repeat with a cycle-length of approximately 24 h and are generated by a transcriptional–translational feedback loop. These rhythms are critical for proper behavioral, physiological, and molecular functions. CHRONO, a novel circadian clock gene, forms a complex with other clock proteins and modulates the circadian machinery. CHRONO also interacts with histone deacetylase (HDAC) to modulate the epigenetic status of the transcriptional regulation. Chrono knockout mice display a longer period of circadian behavior and an elevated stress response. This paper reviews the molecular function of CHRONO with a focus on epigenetic regulation and speculates on the possible function of CHRONO in physiological processes. Key messages: Chrono is a circadian clock gene whose transcription exhibits a robust circadian oscillation. CHRONO is a repressor of circadian transcriptional/translational feedback loops. CHRONO may function to link epigenetic control mechanisms to stress responses.