RACK1, a novel hPER1-interacting protein

PER1, an important component of circadian clock systems, plays a critical role in regulating the period length and maintaining the precision and stability of the period of circadian rhythms. RACK1 (receptor for activated protein kinase C-1), a member of the WD-40 family of proteins, can interact with numerous signaling proteins and is regarded as a scaffolding, anchor, or adaptor protein in multiple intracellular signal transduction pathways. In the present study, we identified and confirmed RACK1 as a novel protein interacting with human clock protein, hPER1, using the yeast two-hybrid system and co-immunoprecipitation experiment. Further study by RT-PCR showed that RACK1 was expressed widely in tissues and there was no obvious expressional rhythmicity. However, RNA interfering plasmid inhibiting hPER1 (pTER/hPER1-II) could not interfere expression of RACK1. These results together suggested that RACK1 might act as a novel signal molecule to mediate or regulate the functions of PER1 through protein interaction.