Neurospora wc-1 and wc-2 : Transcription, Photoresponses, and the Origins of Circadian Rhythmicity

Data suggest that wc-1 is a clock-associated gene and wc-2 is a clock component in Neurospora.

• Circadian rhythms are linked to light perception and regulated by feedback loops involving clock genes.
• Previous research focused primarily on clock genes associated with negative feedback mechanisms.
• The white collar-1 and white collar-2 genes encode proteins that bind DNA and are implicated in transcriptional activation.
• Evidence indicates that both wc-1 and wc-2 are crucial for the function of the Neurospora circadian oscillator.
• Similarities in PAS-domain regions among various organisms hint at an evolutionary connection between ancient light receptors and modern circadian proteins.

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