Perfect timing: Epigenetic regulation of the circadian clock

In mammals, higher order chromatin structures are critical for downsizing the genome (packaging) so that the nucleus can be small. The adjustable density of chromatin also regulates gene expression, thus this post-genetic molecular mechanism is one of the routes by which phenotype is shaped. Phenotypes that arise without a concomitant mutation of the underlying genome are termed epigenetic phenomena. Here we discuss epigenetic phenomena from histone and DNA modification as it pertains to the dynamic regulatory processes of the circadian clock. Epigenetic phenomena certainly explain some regulatory aspects of the mammalian circadian oscillator.

► Reversible histone modifications accompany circadian transcription.
► In particular histone methylation can maintain a repressive state.
► The modifying enzymes are rhythmically recruited to circadian promoters.
► DNA methylation affects circadian genes e.g., during development or in cancer cells.
► However, it is currently unknown whether there exists circadian DNA methylation.