RORalpha’s two-way role in controlling body clock gene activity shown using a new test system

A novel tricolor reporter assay system was developed to analyze gene expression related to circadian rhythms.

• The assay uses green- and red-emitting Phrixothrix luciferases as dual reporters and blue-emitting Renilla luciferase as an internal control.
• The system allows for simultaneous monitoring of multiple gene expressions and interactions with transcription factors.
• Results suggest that the orphan nuclear receptor RORalpha positively regulates Bmal1 transcription while negatively regulating Per1 transcription.

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