Rev-erbalpha gene expression in the mouse brain with special emphasis on its circadian profiles in the suprachiasmatic nucleus.

Rev-erbalpha is an orphan nuclear receptor that constitutively suppresses gene transcription. In the present study, the expression of Rev-erbalpha was investigated in the mouse brain by in situ hybridization using antisense cRNA probe. Positive Rev-erbalpha mRNA signals were detected widely in the brain with the highest expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). In the constant dark condition, the circadian expression profiles of Rev-erbalpha m RNA in the SCN showed a peak at early daytime (CT4) and a trough at early night time (CT16). The environmental lighting condition (light-dark environmental condition and exposure in the subjective night) did not alter the expression profiles. These findings indicate that Rev-erbalpha gene is a transcription factor intimately related to the circadian clock in the SCN. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.