In vivo circadian function of casein kinase 2 phosphorylation sites in Drosophila PERIOD

J Neurosci. 2005 Nov 30;25(48):11175-83. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2159-05.2005.

Abstract

Phosphorylation plays a key role in the precise timing of circadian clocks. Daily rhythms of phosphorylation of the Drosophila circadian clock component PERIOD (PER) were first described more than a decade ago, yet little is known about their phosphorylation sites and their function in circadian behavior. Here we show that serines 151 and 153 in PER are required for robust in vitro phosphorylation by the casein kinase 2 (CK2) holoenzyme, a cytoplasmic kinase shown to be involved in circadian rhythms. Mutation of these sites in transgenic flies results in significant period lengthening of behavioral rhythms, altered PER rhythms, and delayed PER nuclear localization in circadian pacemaker neurons. In many respects, mutation of these phosphorylation sites phenocopies mutation of the catalytic subunit of CK2. We propose that CK2 phosphorylation at these sites triggers PER nuclear localization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport / physiology
  • Casein Kinase II / genetics
  • Casein Kinase II / metabolism*
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology*
  • Drosophila / physiology*
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Mutation
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • Nuclear Proteins / physiology*
  • Period Circadian Proteins
  • Phosphorylation
  • Serine

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • PER protein, Drosophila
  • Period Circadian Proteins
  • Serine
  • Casein Kinase II