Prokineticin 2 protein is diurnally expressed in PER2-containing clock neurons in the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus

PK2 protein expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus peaks at ZT5:40 ± 1:40 h during the light phase of the circadian cycle.

• PK2 mRNA levels show circadian oscillations, peaking at midday and nearly undetectable at night.
• Validation of a commercial PK2 antibody enabled the detection of PK2 protein expression using fluorescence immunohistochemistry.
• PK2 protein expression is detectable throughout the 24-hour cycle, contrasting with the undetectable levels of PK2 mRNA at night.
• Over 80% of neurons expressing PK2 in the shell compartment also co-express the core clock protein PER2.
• The oscillatory nature of PK2 protein expression supports its proposed role in regulating circadian rhythms.

AI simplified