Oxidation-reduction cycles of peroxiredoxin proteins and nontranscriptional aspects of timekeeping

Biochemistry. 2015 Jan 20;54(2):184-93. doi: 10.1021/bi5008386. Epub 2014 Dec 30.

Abstract

The circadian clock allows organisms to accurately predict the earth's rotation and modify their behavior as a result. Genetic analyses in a variety of organisms have defined a mechanism based largely on gene expression feedback loops. However, as we delve more deeply into the mechanisms of circadian timekeeping, we are discovering that post-translational mechanisms play a key role in defining the character of the clock. We are also discovering that these modifications are inextricably linked to cellular metabolism, including redox homeostasis. A robust circadian oscillation in the redox status of the peroxiredoxins (a major class of cellular antioxidants) was recently shown to be remarkably conserved from archaea and cyanobacteria all the way to plants and animals. Furthermore, recent findings indicate that cellular redox status is coupled not only to canonical circadian gene expression pathways but also to a noncanonical transcript-independent circadian clock. The redox rhythms observed in peroxiredoxins in the absence of canonical clock mechanisms may hint at the nature of this new and hitherto unknown aspect of circadian timekeeping.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Circadian Clocks*
  • Circadian Rhythm Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Circadian Rhythm Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Peroxiredoxins / analysis
  • Peroxiredoxins / genetics
  • Peroxiredoxins / metabolism*
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational*

Substances

  • Circadian Rhythm Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Peroxiredoxins