The protein RORalpha controls daily rhythms of the core clock gene Bmal1 in mammals

Loss of RORalpha protein leads to dampened circadian rhythm of Bmal1 transcription.

• BMAL1 is a key transcription factor involved in the circadian pacemaker in mammals.
• RORalpha directly activates the transcription of Bmal1 through specific response elements.
• RORalpha-deficient staggerer mice exhibit abnormal locomotor activity and unstable rhythmicity.
• In cultured cells, reduced levels of RORalpha disrupt the normal circadian rhythm of Bmal1 transcription.
• RORalpha is essential for the proper functioning of the cell-autonomous core circadian clock.

Simplified