Role and neural regulation of clock genes in the rat pineal gland: Clock modulates amplitude of rhythmic expression of Aanat encoding the melatonin‐producing enzyme

Rhythmic expression of the Clock gene in the pineal gland regulates Aanat levels, which encode the enzyme for melatonin synthesis.

• Clock genes are expressed in the pineal gland and show 24-hour expression patterns.
• The rhythmic expression of clock genes in the pineal gland largely depends on the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).
• Pineal cells can re-establish clock gene rhythms when stimulated with norepinephrine in rhythmic pulses.
• Clock gene products may influence melatonin production in pinealocytes by regulating Aanat expression.
• Knockdown of the Clock gene leads to a significant increase in Aanat expression in cultured pineal cells.

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