The melatonin receptor MT1 is required for the differential regulatory actions of melatonin on neuronal ‘clock’ gene expression in striatal neurons in vitro

Melatonin influences the expression of key clock genes in the striatum, affecting dopaminergic behaviors and mood.

• Melatonin affects the expression of the clock genes mPer1, mClock, mBmal1, and mNPAS2 in striatal neuronal cultures.
• A decrease in mPer1 and mClock expression and an increase in mNPAS2 expression were observed in response to melatonin.
• No significant change in mBmal1 expression was detected with melatonin treatment.
• The effects of melatonin on clock gene expression are sensitive to pertussis toxin, indicating involvement of G protein-coupled receptors.
• Mutating the MT1 melatonin receptor reversed the changes induced by melatonin, suggesting its crucial role in regulating clock gene expression.

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