Transcriptional and post-transcriptional control of the plant circadian gene regulatory network

The circadian clock drives rhythms in multiple physiological processes allowing plants to anticipate and adjust to periodic changes in environmental conditions. These physiological rhythms are associated with robust oscillations in the expression of thousands of genes linked to the control of photosynthesis, cell elongation, biotic and abiotic stress responses, developmental processes such as flowering, and the clock itself. Given its pervasive effects on plant physiology, it is not surprising that circadian clock genes have played an important role in the domestication of crop plants and in the improvement of crop productivity. Therefore, identifying the principles governing the dynamics of the circadian gene regulatory network in plants could strongly contribute to further speed up crop improvement. Here we provide an historical as well as a current description of our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying circadian rhythms in plants. This work focuses on the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory layers that control the very core of the circadian clock, and some of its complex interactions with signaling pathways that help synchronize plant growth and development to daily and seasonal changes in the environment. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Plant Gene Regulatory Mechanisms and Networks, edited by Dr. Erich Grotewold and Dr. Nathan Springer.