Phosphorylation of the cryptochrome 1 C-terminal tail regulates circadian period length

Abstract

Background: Cryptochromes (CRYs) are transcriptional repressors that are critical components of the circadian clock. Results: We have identified a phosphorylation site in the CRY1 tail that is negatively regulated by the DNA repair enzyme DNA-dependent protein kinase. Conclusion: Phosphorylation of CRY1 on Ser-588 increases its half-life and lengthens the circadian period. Significance: The C-terminal tail of CRY1 modulates period length. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.