Homeobox Genes and Melatonin Synthesis: Regulatory Roles of the Cone-Rod Homeobox Transcription Factor in the Rodent Pineal Gland

Author:

Rohde Kristian1ORCID,Møller Morten1ORCID,Rath Martin Fredensborg1

Affiliation:

1. Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet 6102, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark

Abstract

Nocturnal synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland is controlled by a circadian rhythm in arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) enzyme activity. In the rodent,Aanatgene expression displays a marked circadian rhythm; release of norepinephrine in the gland at night causes a cAMP-based induction ofAanattranscription. However, additional transcriptional control mechanisms exist. Homeobox genes, which are generally known to encode transcription factors controlling developmental processes, are also expressed in the mature rodent pineal gland. Among these, the cone-rod homeobox (CRX) transcription factor is believed to control pineal-specificAanatexpression. Based on recent advances in our understanding ofCrxin the rodent pineal gland, we here suggest that homeobox genes play a role in adult pineal physiology both by ensuring pineal-specificAanatexpression and by facilitating cAMP response element-based circadian melatonin production.

Funder

Københavns Universitet

Publisher

Hindawi Limited

Subject

General Immunology and Microbiology,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology,General Medicine

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