Thermally regulated translational control of FRQ mediates aspects of temperature responses in the Neurospora circadian clock

Yi Liu, Norman Y. Garceau, Jennifer J. Loros, Jay C. Dunlap

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

207 Scopus citations

Abstract

Two forms of FRQ, a central component of the Neurospora circadian clock, arise through alternative in-frame initiation of translation. Either form alone suffices for a functional clock at some temperatures, but both are always necessary for robust rhythmicity. Temperature regulates the ratio of FRQ forms by favoring different initiation codons at different temperatures; when either initiation codon is eliminated, the temperature range permissive for rhythmicity is demonstrably reduced. This temperature-influenced choice of translation-initiation site represents a novel adaptive mechanism that extends the physiological temperature range over which clocks function. Additionally, a temperature-dependent threshold level of FRQ is required to establish the feedback loop comprising the oscillator. These data may explain how temperature limits permissive for rhythmicity are established, thus providing a molecular understanding for a basic characteristic of circadian clocks.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)477-486
Number of pages10
JournalCell
Volume89
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2 1997

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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