A recessive mutant of Drosophila Clock reveals a role in circadian rhythm amplitude

Abstract

The transcription factor Clock (Clk) plays a critical role in animal circadian rhythms. Genetic studies defining its function have relied on two dominant negative alleles, one in Drosophila and one in mice. Here we describe a novel recessive allele of Drosophila Clock, Clkar. Homozygous Clkar flies are viable and behaviorally arrhythmic. The Clkar phenotype is caused by a splice site mutation that severely disrupts splicing and reduces Clk activity. Despite the behavioral arrhythmicity, molecular oscillations are still detectable in Clkar flies. Transcription analysis indicates potent effects of Clkar on levels and amplitude of transcriptional oscillations. Taken together with other data, we propose that Clk makes a major contribution to the strength and amplitude of circadian rhythms.