＜Symposium I＞Roles of DEC1 and DEC2 in the core loop of the circadian clock, and clock outputs to metabolism

概要

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We cloned Dec1 （Differentiated embryonic chondrocyte-1） and a similar gene, Dec2, in 1997 and 2000,respectively. DEC structure is similar to that of HES1 and HAIRY, and we observed circadian rhythms of Dec1mRNA levels in chondrocytes in vitro and rat liver in vivo. We then attempted to fi nd out whether these genes areimplicated in the circadian pacemaker: We found that a mutation of Clock abolishes or shifts circadian expression ofDec1 and/or Dec2 in most tissues, including the suprachiasmatic nucleus（ SCN）, and that DEC1 and DEC2 modulatetheir own circadian expression and that of some other clock genes by auto-regulatory and interlocked feedbackmechanisms. Studies on defi ciencies of these genes indicate that Dec1 and Dec2 play roles in the phase shift andmaintenance of accurate circadian rhythms and clock outputs to some physiological activities. We speculate thatclock genes, including Dec, are involved in the pathology of various diseases and aging.