Casein Kinase 1 delta (CK1δ) has been revealed by the experts as the missing part in the puzzle of regulating our body clock. These 24 hour cycles that we’re all born with are called circadian rhythms. Ultimately, the research may help us change these biological rhythms.
Body clock protein and jet lag:
The study, led by experts from Duke-NUS Medical School and the University of California, Santa Cruz, could lead to new means of treatment involving the body’s circadian rhythm. The research gives us some insight into other, potentially more effective, interventions for disorders associated with the biological clock.
The aim is to move beyond the treatment of sleep disruption to help realign circadian rhythms and provide relief for people suffering from sleep disruptions and improve overall health descriptors.
Body proteins running the body clock:
CK1δ tags other proteins involved in our biological clock and governs our circadian rhythm. In essence, this protein network successfully fine tunes the timing of our circadian rhythms.
Controlling your protein and jet lag
The researchers studied the tails of the proteins using advanced spectroscopy and spectrometry techniques. The experts said the proteins are tagged by the tail sequences, which are unique.
Carrie Partch, a professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a study co-author, says, “The lesson we learned from the Moonshot—our collaboration—was that when the SRA was drawn into the process, our resources were far more effective, and the work proceeded faster.”
The molecular basis for these target effects is that when the target spots are tagged with a phosphate group, CK1δ is less active, so that it exerts less influence on our circadian rhythms.” And that’s really exciting — we were able to pinpoint exactly where we were using high-resolution analysis,” O’Shea said.
Jet lag may be influenced by protein variants:
Duke-NUS Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program Director Professor David Virshup found that δ1 tail interacts more with the protein main body, which results in higher self-inhibition compared to δ2.
If these sites are mutated or removed, δ1 becomes more active, resulting in changes in circadian rhythms.” On the other hand, δ2 does not have that feedback regulation from its tail region,” said Professor Virshup.
Resetting the body clock:
This finding goes way beyond the basics of sleep regulation. Overcoming jet lag has long been a problem for frequent travelers. The faster and more effective treatment of the body’s internal clock involves targeting the CK1δ protein, the researchers said.
It could mean switching things around to accommodate new time zones, eliminating most symptoms of fatigue, and improving overall well-being.
Reference:
Goodbye jet lag: Using a protein to reset the body clock
