Molecular mechanism of cell-autonomous circadian gene expression of Period2, a crucial regulator of the mammalian circadian clock

Although circadian transcription of Period2 (Per2) is fundamental for the generation of circadian rhythm, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here we report that cell-autonomous circadian transcription of Per2 is driven by two transcriptional elements, one for rhythm generation and the other for phase control. The former contains the E-box-like sequence (CACGTT) that is sufficient and indispensable to drive oscillation, and indeed circadian transcription factors site-specifically bind to it. Furthermore, the nature of this atypical E-box is different from that of the classical circadian E-box. The current feedback loop model is based mainly on Period1. Our results provide not only compelling evidence in support of this model but also an explanation for a general basic mechanism to produce various patterns in the phase and amplitude of cell-autonomous circadian gene expression.