A serine cluster mediates BMAL1-dependent CLOCK phosphorylation and degradation

Cell Cycle. 2009 Dec 15;8(24):4138-46. doi: 10.4161/cc.8.24.10273. Epub 2009 Dec 8.

Abstract

The circadian clock regulates biological processes from gene expression to organism behavior in a precise, sustained rhythm that is generated at the unicellular level by coordinated function of interlocked transcriptional feedback loops and post-translational modifications of core clock proteins. CLOCK phosphorylation regulates transcriptional activity, cellular localization and stability; however little is known about the specific residues and enzymes involved. We have identified a conserved cluster of serines that include, Ser431, which is a prerequisite phosphorylation site for the generation of BMAL dependent phospho-primed CLOCK and for the potential GSK-3 phosphorylation at Ser427. Mutational analysis and protein stability assays indicate that this serine cluster functions as a phospho-degron. Through the use of GSK-3 activators/inhibitors and kinase assays, we demonstrate that GSK-3beta regulates the degron site by increasing CLOCK phosphorylation/degradation, which correlates with an increase in the expression of CLOCK responsive promoters. Stabilization of phospho-deficient CLOCK delays the phase of oscillation in synchronized fibroblasts. This investigation begins the characterization of a complex phospho-regulatory site that controls the activity and degradation of CLOCK, a core transcription factor that is essential for circadian behavior.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • ARNTL Transcription Factors / chemistry
  • ARNTL Transcription Factors / genetics
  • ARNTL Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Amino Acid Sequence / genetics
  • Animals
  • Biological Clocks / physiology
  • CLOCK Proteins / chemistry
  • CLOCK Proteins / genetics
  • CLOCK Proteins / metabolism*
  • Catalytic Domain / genetics
  • Cell Line
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology*
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 / metabolism
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Phosphorylation
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics
  • Regulatory Elements, Transcriptional / genetics
  • Serine / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Up-Regulation / genetics

Substances

  • ARNTL Transcription Factors
  • Bmal1 protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factors
  • Serine
  • CLOCK Proteins
  • Clock protein, mouse
  • GSK3B protein, human
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Gsk3b protein, mouse
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3