Impact of melatonin receptors on pCREB and clock-gene protein levels in the murine retina

In melatonin-deficient mice, the maxima and minima of the clock gene PER1 were found to be 180 degrees out of phase compared to wild type mice.

• The retina can synthesize melatonin and has its own circadian clock based on specific clock genes.
• Differences in protein levels of PER1, CRY2, and pCREB were observed between melatonin-deficient and melatonin-proficient mice.
• Immunocytochemical analyses showed localization of PER1, CRY2, and pCREB in cell nuclei of the inner nuclear layer and ganglion cell layer.
• Despite the absence of MT1 and MT2 receptors, rhythmic changes in protein levels of clock genes were maintained.
• MT1 and MT2 receptors may play a role in internal synchronization of clock-gene protein levels in the retina.

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