How Different DNA Binding Choices by the Neurospora White Collar Complex Control the Body Clock and Light Responses

The DBD region of WC-1 is essential for both DNA binding and interactions with the FRQ-FRH complex.

• The White Collar complex (WCC) drives the transcription of the circadian pacemaker gene frequency (frq).
• FRQ, part of the FRQ-FRH complex, inhibits its own expression.
• Light induction of frq is mediated by WCC binding to gene promoters, resetting the circadian clock.
• Not all light-induced genes are regulated by the circadian clock, and vice versa.
• DNA binding for light induction requires only WC-2, while circadian functions necessitate both WC-2 and specific motifs from WC-1.

Simplified