The role of Timeless/Period gene mediated multiple pathways in circadian rhythm

Wang Shijie; Wen Dengtai; Sun Guoqi; Wang Jingfeng; Gao Yinghui

doi:10.12307/2025.697

Abstract：BACKGROUND:Circadian rhythms are closely related to the life activities of most mammals and insects.Timless gene plays a crucial role in the generation of circadian rhythms as key components encoding the Timeless/Period gene complex.However,its specific mechanism in circadian rhythms is still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To study the relationship between Timless protein gene,Period gene,circadian rhythm,environment and cryptochrome gene,so as to have a more comprehensive understanding of the nucleation and accumulation mechanism of circadian cycle and the influence of environment on circadian rhythm. METHODS:Literature retrieval was conducted in the Web of science Core Collection database,PubMed and CNKI,and the relevant literature was searched,consulted and screened after the keyword was set as"Timless,Period,circadian rhythm,environment"in English and Chinese.Non-relevant literature was progressively excluded through full-text reading,and 126 papers were finally included for the review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In the circadian clock,the circadian spontaneous output of the cyclins kaput and CYCLE activate the Timeless/Period gene,Timeless gene regulates the nucleation mechanism and stability of Period gene,and Period gene can also be nucleated individually by a number of mechanisms.Casein kinase 2,Shaggy protein kinase and double time genes can regulate circadian rhythms and participate in transcription by phosphorylating Timeless gene/Period gene.Cryptochrome gene-mediated degradation of Timeless gene has a very important role in transcriptional integrity.External factors such as environmental factors and dietary patterns can influence circadian rhythms through the Timeless gene/Period gene.Interestingly,time-restricted eating can be used as an effective way to improve circadian rhythm disturbances.