PER2 Proteins and Enzymes

PER2 is a member of the Period protein family and a mammalian homolog of the Drosphilia period gene. Genes in this family encode components of the circadian rhythms of locomotor activity, metabolism, and behavior. Strong PER2 expression in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the mamalian brain indicates that the PER gene functions in the circadian clock with PER2 being a component of the circadian oscillator. PER2 shares a 40% homology with PER1 including the protein dimerization PAS domain.