Drosophila Clock Can Generate Ectopic Circadian Clocks

Clock misexpression in naive brain regions of Drosophila induces circadian gene expression.

• Circadian rhythms are observed in behavior, physiology, and gene expression across various tissues and organisms.
• Clock is necessary for the expression of many core components of circadian rhythms in both Drosophila and mammals.
• Misexpression of Clock activates rhythmic gene expression, including components of the pacemaker program.
• Clock also influences the expression of cryptochrome, a gene that is typically repressed by CLOCK.
• Ectopic expression of Clock significantly alters locomotor activity patterns in Drosophila.
• Clock may organize the core elements of interdependent feedback loops essential for maintaining circadian rhythms.

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