The circadian output gene takeout is regulated by Pdp1

The circadian clock controls many circadian outputs. Although a large number of transcripts are affected by the circadian oscillator, very little is known about their regulation and function. We show here that the Drosophila takeout gene, one of the output genes of the circadian oscillator, is regulated similarly to the circadian clock genes Clock (Clk) and cry. takeout RNA levels are at constant high levels in Clk^JRK mutants. The circadian transcription factor PAR domain protein 1 (Pdp1) is a transcription factor that had previously been postulated to control clock output genes, particularly genes regulated similarly to Clk. In agreement with this, we show here that Pdp1 is a regulator of takeout. Takeout levels are low in flies with reduced Pdp1 and high in flies with increased amounts of Pdp1. Furthermore, flies with reduced or elevated Pdp1 levels in the fat body display courtship defects, identifying Pdp1 as an important transcriptional regulator in that tissue. ©2010 National Academy of Sciences

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