DEC1 Modulates the Circadian Phase of Clock Gene Expression

Overexpression of DEC1 delayed the phase of clock genes by up to 6 hours.

• DEC1 suppresses the activity of certain clock genes that have E boxes in their regulatory regions.
• Dec1 overexpression delays the circadian phase of genes such as Dec1, Dec2, Per1, and Dbp.
• Dec1 deficiency advances the circadian phase of E-box-containing clock genes but does not affect E'-box-containing genes.
• DEC1 binds strongly to E boxes but not to E' boxes, indicating a selective regulatory role.
• Dec1-/- mice exhibit slightly longer circadian periods and quicker adjustments to shifts in light-dark cycles.
• Knockdown of Dec2 leads to an advanced phase of Dec1 and Dbp expression, with more pronounced effects observed in double knockdown of Dec1 and Dec2.

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