Chapter category: Circadian Rhythms
Circadian Rhythms in Neurospora crassa: Beyond the frq Gene
Chapter authors:
Patricia L Lakin-Thomas
The frq/wc transcription/translation feedback loop is often assumed to be at the core of the molecular mechanism generating circadian rhythmicity in Neurospora crassa. This chapter reviews the evidence that the frq/wc feedback loop is insufficient to explain the complexity of rhythmicity in Neurospora. Three issues are discussed: 1) the major role played by post-transcriptional control of FRQ protein levels; 2) the existence of rhythmicity in the absence of a functional frq/wc feedback loop; and 3) questions about the role of frq/wc in controlling rhythmic conidiation. The circadian system may be a network of oscillators, and the role of frq/wc may be thought of as an integrator of environmental signals.
