Expression and role of TTF-1 in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus

We have previously reported that TTF-1, a homeodomain-containing transcription factor, regulates circadian rhythm of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide gene expression in the rat hypothalamus. In this study we found that TTF-1 mRNA was specifically expressed in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and colocalized with Period 2 (Per2), a circadian feedback loop controller. Interaction between TTF-1 and Per1 and Per2 was demonstrated by immunoprecipitation and immunoblot assays. Moreover, TTF-1 and Per proteins additively stimulated a transcriptional activity of angiotensinogen (AoGen) gene. TTF-1 also activated in vitro rhythm of AoGen transcription determined by secretary alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) reporter system in the NIH3T3 cells. These results suggest that TTF-1 plays a role in the circadian rhythm regulation of the AoGen gene expression via interacting with Per proteins in the rat SCN.