Adaptation of molecular circadian clockwork to environmental changes: A role for alternative splicing and miRNAs

Abstract

Circadian (24 h) clocks provide a source of internal timing in most living organisms. These clocks keep time by using complex transcriptional/posttranslational feedback loops that are strikingly resilient to changes in environmental conditions. In the last few years, interest has increased in the role of post-transcriptional regulation of circadian clock components. Post-transcriptional control plays a prominent role in modulating rapid responses of the circadian system to environmental changes, including light, temperature and general stress and will be the focus of this review. © 2013 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.