Characterization of the Core Mammalian Clock Component, NPAS2, as a REV-ERBα/RORα Target Gene

NPAS2 is identified as a target gene of RORα and REV-ERBα involved in circadian rhythm regulation.

• BMAL1/clock and NPAS2 heterodimers activate the expression of the period and cryptochrome genes, which participate in a feedback loop.
• PER and CRY proteins suppress the activity of the BMAL1/clock or NPAS2, completing the circadian feedback mechanism.
• RORα and REV-ERBα influence the circadian expression of BMAL1 by targeting a specific element in its promoter.
• Both RORα and REV-ERBα bind to the NPAS2 promoter, indicating their role in regulating NPAS2 expression.
• The presence of two functional response elements in the NPAS2 promoter suggests a coordinated regulation of the circadian rhythm feedback loop.

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