NPAS2: A gas-responsive transcription factor

Elhadji M. Dioum, Jared Rutter, Jason R. Tuckerman, Gonzalo Gonzalez, Marie Alda Gilles-Gonzalez, Steven L. McKnight

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

391 Scopus citations

Abstract

Neuronal PAS domain protein 2 (NPAS2) is a mammalian transcription factor that binds DNA as an obligate dimeric partner of BMAL1 and is implicated in the regulation of circadian rhythm. Here we show that both PAS domains of NPAS2 bind heme as a prosthetic group and that the heme status controls DNA binding in vitro. NPAS2-BMAL1 heterodimers, existing in either the apo (heme-free) or holo (heme-loaded) state, bound DNA avidly under favorably reducing ratios of the reduced and oxidized forms of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. Low micromolar concentrations of carbon monoxide inhibited the DNA binding activity of holo-NPAS2 but not that of apo-NPAS2. Upon exposure to carbon monoxide, inactive BMAL1 homodimers were formed at the expense of NPAS2-BMAL1 heteroclimers. These results indicate that the heterodimerization of NPAS2, and presumably the expression of its target genes, are regulated by a gas through the heme-based sensor described here.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2385-2387
Number of pages3
JournalScience
Volume298
Issue number5602
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 20 2002

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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