Rev-erbα gene expression in the mouse brain with special emphasis on its circadian profiles in the suprachiasmatic nucleus

• Published in: Journal of neuroscience research Vol. 68; no. 5; pp. 551 - 557
• Main Authors: Onishi, Hiroyasu, Yamaguchi, Shun, Yagita, Kazuhiro, Ishida, Yoshiki, Dong, Xin, Kimura, Hidehito, Jing, Zhang, Ohara, Hidefumi, Okamura, Hitoshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.06.2002
• Subjects: circadian rhythm; in situ hybridization; mouse; Rev-erbα; suprachiasmatic nucleus
• ISSN: 0360-4012; 1097-4547
• DOI: 10.1002/jnr.10226

Rev‐erbα is an orphan nuclear receptor that constitutively suppresses gene transcription. In the present study, the expression of Rev‐erbα was investigated in the mouse brain by in situ hybridization using antisense cRNA probe. Positive Rev‐erbα mRNA signals were detected widely in the brain with the highest expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). In the constant dark condition, the circadian expression profiles of Rev‐erbα m RNA in the SCN showed a peak at early daytime (CT4) and a trough at early night time (CT16). The environmental lighting condition (light–dark environmental condition and exposure in the subjective night) did not alter the expression profiles. These findings indicate that Rev‐erbα gene is a transcription factor intimately related to the circadian clock in the SCN. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.