Interaction between WC-1 and WC-2 proteins is essential for maintaining WC-1 levels and their role in Neurospora's internal clock and light response

The steady-state level of WC-1 protein is extremely low in wc-2 knockout strains.

• WC-1 protein levels are regulated by both FRQ and WC-2 through different mechanisms after transcription.
• The low expression of WC-1 in wc-2 knockout strains is independent of wc-1 transcription and FRQ protein levels.
• The PAS domain of WC-2 is involved in the interaction with both WC-1 and FRQ in living organisms.
• Interactions between WC-1 and WC-2 are crucial for maintaining the necessary levels of WC-1 and proper function in circadian and light responses.

Simplified