Molecular Playground/CLOCK:BMAL1 heterodimer complex

The is a vital regulatory component of the circadian rhythm protein regulation system. CLOCK (Circadian Locomotor Output Cycles Kaput) and BMAL1 (Brain and muscle Arnt-like protein-1) are PER-ARNT-SIM (bHLH-PAS) proteins (The structure highlighted in yellow is just a portion of bHLH structure in CLOCK). They are the main transcriptional activators in the mammalian circadian mechanism.^[1] The binding between CLOCK and BMAL1 involves the N-terminal bHLH, PAS-A and PAS-B domains of both proteins. Each domain binds to its corresponding equivalent domain in the other protein. Though both proteins contain the same types of domains with similar primary amino acid sequences in each, the overall heterodimer is surprisingly asymmetrical due to differences in the spatial orientation of the domains in each protein. Since this heterodimer complex involves the binding of all of the major domains in both participating proteins, the overall binding affinity is very high.

The role in Circadian Rhythm

Circadian rhythms are operated by an endogenous core clock system that drives daily rhythms in behavior, physiology, and metabolism. In mammalian systems, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which is located in the hypothalamus, is the locus of a master circadian clock. The SCN controls the expression of of proteins in a time dependent manner through a genetic feedback loop initiated by light passing through the eye.^[2] The core molecular clockwork is composed of a transcriptional/post-translational feedback loop: CLOCK:BMAL1 (transcriptional activators) and PER:CRY (transcriptional repressors). In daytime, CLOCK and BMAL1 will form a heterodimer complex and binds to the E-box promoter region of other circadian rhythm proteins, following by the initiation of the transcription of Per (Period) and Cry (Cryptochrome). During the day, Per and Cry will dimerize and translocate into the nucleus, where they interact with CLOCK:BMAL1 to inhibit their own transcription. This process is called the negative feedback loop.^[3] At night time, Per:Cry complex is degradated by a specific E3 ligase complex and the repression will be relieved. After the repression level of Per:Cry is decreased, CLOCK:BMAL1 will be re-activated and start a new transcription. This process is called the positive feedback loop. The whole negative/positive feedback loops take around 24 h to complete, thus form the core mechanism of the circadian clock in mammals.^[4]

The Overall structure of CLOCK:BMAL1 complex

The is shown in the right. It is a tightly interwined structure that CLOCK and BMAL1 are twisted together. Although the primary sequences of CLOCK and BMAL1 are similar, the structural arrangements of their domains are quite different.

CLOCK

is composed of three domains: one domain, two PAS domains ( and ). The connections between each domain are two . Comparing to the flexible loops in BMAL1, the distances of the connection loops in CLOCK are longer.

BMAL1

is also composed of three domains: one domain, two PAS domains ( and ). There are ~15-residue flexible loop () and ~20-residue flexible loop () connect between each domains.

The interface between CLOCK and BMAL1

In the formation of CLOCK:BMAL1 heterodimer complex, each domain interacts with the corresponding domain of its partner subunit, which means CLOCK bHLH interacts with BMAL1 bHLH domain, CLOCK PSA-A interacts with BMAL1 PSA-A domain, and CLOCK PSA-B interacts with BMAL1 PSA-B domain. In , both CLOCK and BMAL1 PSA-A domains contain five-stranded antiparallel β sheet and several α helices flanking the concave surface of the sheet. In those α helices, there are two pack in between the β-sheet faces of two domains to mediate the heterodimeric PSA-A interactions.

PSA-A domain interface

The interface between CLOCK:BMAL1 PSA-A dimer is mainly facilitated by hydrophobic interactions. Specifically, Phe104, Leu105, and Leu113 on (Leu159, Thr285, Tyr287, Val315, and Ile317). Similarly, Phe141, Leu142, and Leu150 on BMAL1 PSA-A contact to the hydrophobic β-sheet face of CLOCK (F122, I216, V252, and T254). As a result, many residues obtained in the CLOCK:BMAL1 interface are conserved among bHLH-PAS transcription factors. This result may indicate that CLOCK and BMAL1 have a common PSA-A domain dimerization mode.

The downstream effects of the altered circadian rhythm

Mutated forms of CLOCK exist which do not regulate protein expression correctly and thereby result in altered circadian rhythms. CLOCK-delta19 is a mutant form of CLOCK which binds to BMAL1 normally but the resulting heterodimer does not activate transcription of certain other circadian rhythm proteins. Mutant mice carrying this altered CLOCK protein have shown abnormal circadian rhythms as a result. ^[5]

It has been shown in recent years that people who have lifestyles which involve light exposure that is different than the normal 12 hours of daylight/12 hours of night have significantly increased chances of developing cancer. This indicates that disruption of the normal circadian rhythm gene regulation cycle has severe downstream effects on the host's genetic makeup. Additionally, it has been shown that cancer tissues often have distorted circadian rhythms, showing the significance of circadian rhythms to cancer progression. ^[6]