Molecular assembly of the period-cryptochrome circadian transcriptional repressor complex

Shannon N. Nangle, Clark Rosensweig, Nobuya Koike, Hajime Tei, Joseph S. Takahashi, Carla B. Green, Ning Zheng

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

75 Scopus citations

Abstract

The mammalian circadian clock is driven by a transcriptional–translational feedback loop, which produces robust 24-hr rhythms. Proper oscillation of the clock depends on the complex formation and periodic turnover of the Period and Cryptochrome proteins, which together inhibit their own transcriptional activator complex, CLOCK-BMAL1. We determined the crystal structure of the CRY-binding domain (CBD) of PER2 in complex with CRY2 at 2.8 Å resolution. PER2-CBD adopts a highly extended conformation, embracing CRY2 with a sinuous binding mode. Its N-terminal end tucks into CRY adjacent to a large pocket critical for CLOCK-BMAL1 binding, while its C-terminal half flanks the CRY2 C-terminal helix and sterically hinders the recognition of CRY2 by the FBXL3 ubiquitin ligase. Unexpectedly, a strictly conserved intermolecular zinc finger, whose integrity is important for clock rhythmicity, further stabilizes the complex. Our structure-guided analyses show that these interspersed CRY-interacting regions represent multiple functional modules of PERs at the CRY-binding interface.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere03674
Pages (from-to)1-14
Number of pages14
JournaleLife
Volume3
Issue numberAugust2014
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 15 2014

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Immunology and Microbiology

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