Biomol Ther.  2018 Jul;26(4):358-367. 10.4062/biomolther.2017.131.

Neurobiological Functions of the Period Circadian Clock 2 Gene, Per2

• Kim M
• de la Peña JB
• Cheong JH
• Kim HJ

• KMID: 2420386
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4062/biomolther.2017.131

Abstract

Most organisms have adapted to a circadian rhythm that follows a roughly 24-hour cycle, which is modulated by both internal (clock-related genes) and external (environment) factors. In such organisms, the central nervous system (CNS) is influenced by the circadian rhythm of individual cells. Furthermore, the period circadian clock 2 (Per2) gene is an important component of the circadian clock, which modulates the circadian rhythm. Per2 is mainly expressed in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus as well as other brain areas, including the midbrain and forebrain. This indicates that Per2 may affect various neurobiological activities such as sleeping, depression, and addiction. In this review, we focus on the neurobiological functions of Per2, which could help to better understand its roles in the CNS.

Keyword

Circadian rhythm; Per2 gene; Sleep; Depression; Addiction; Neurotransmitter

MeSH Terms

Brain
Central Nervous System
Circadian Clocks*
Circadian Rhythm
Depression
Hypothalamus
Mesencephalon
Neurotransmitter Agents
Prosencephalon
Suprachiasmatic Nucleus
Neurotransmitter Agents