NPAS2, BHLHE9, MOP4, PASD4, Neuronal PAS domain-containing protein 2, Neuronal PAS2, Basic-helix-loop-helix-PAS protein MOP4, Class E basic helix-loop-helix protein 9, bHLHe9, Member of PAS protein 4, PAS domain-containing protein 4
The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)-PAS family of transcription factors. A similar mouse protein may play a regulatory role in the acquisition of specific types of memory. It also may function as a part of a molecular clock operative in the mammalian forebrain. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],function:BMAL1-NPAS2 heterodimers activate E-box element (3-CACGTG-5) transcription of a number of proteins of the circadian clock. This transcription is inhibited in a feedback loop by PER, and also by CRY proteins.,polymorphism:Variants in NPAS2 show a susceptibility to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) [MIM:608516]. SAD is a depressive condition resulting from seasonal changes, and with diurnal preference.,similarity:Contains 1 basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) domain.,similarity:Contains 1 PAC (PAS-associated C-terminal) domain.,similarity:Contains 2 PAS (PER-ARNT-SIM) domains.,subunit:Component of the circadian clock oscillator which includes the CRY proteins, CLOCK or NPAS2, BMAL1 or BMAL2, CSNK1D and/or CSNK1E, TIMELESS and the PER proteins. Efficient DNA binding requires dimerization with another bHLH protein. Heterodimerization with CLOCK or NPAS2 is required for E-box-dependent transactivation.,
