Circadian Health Glossary

PER1 Protein

PER1 is a part of the Period gene family, known for its rhythmic expression levels. These proteins take part in the core molecular machinery behind the circadian rhythm. They react to cues of light and darkness, keeping our internal biological clock aligned with the external world.

What Is Its Primary Function?

PER1’s key role lies in a complex ‘feedback loop’ with other clock genes and proteins, primarily expressed in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). At the molecular level, PER1 levels rise during the night, inhibiting the activity of CLOCK and BMAL1 — two clock proteins necessary for PER1 regulation. This action effectively suppresses its production, as well as that of other clock genes, initiating a new round of gene expression roughly every 24 hours.

While the SCN is its main stage, PER1 also influences the performance of secondary clocks in peripheral tissues. This allows the body to maintain temporal order, ensuring that functions such as metabolism, hormone release, and cell regeneration follow a circadian rhythm.

How Does It Affect Our Health?

The impact of PER1 on human health cannot be understated, as its regulation of circadian rhythms directly influences sleep patterns, mood regulation, and metabolic processes. A properly functioning PER1 gene ensures that our sleep-wake cycle is aligned with the external environment, promoting restorative sleep and optimal mental health.
Disruptions in PER1 function can lead to various health issues including:
Furthermore, understanding and potentially manipulating PER1’s mechanism could pave the way for novel treatments for these conditions, highlighting its significance not only in basic science but also in clinical applications.

Related Definitions

Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Cycle sleep CIRCADIAN HEALTH