Period circadian regulator 2 (PER2)

Period circadian regulator 2 (PER2) is a core component of the circadian clock system that governs daily physiological rhythms in mammals, including sleep-wake cycles, metabolism, body temperature, hormone secretion, and cell cycle timing[1][3][6]. PER2 is a transcription factor that participates in negative feedback regulation of the circadian clock by forming complexes with other clock proteins (such as PER1, CRY1, CRY2) to repress their own transcription and that of other circadian-controlled genes[2][5]. Expression and function of PER2 are tightly regulated in both central (suprachiasmatic nucleus) and peripheral tissues, and the protein also interacts with kinases like CK1ε for post-translational modification, chromatin remodelers for gene regulation, and nuclear hormone receptors (REV-ERBa, PPARa) for broader metabolic effects[6]. Mutations or altered expression of PER2 can result in sleep phase disorders, modulate susceptibility to certain diseases (including cancer and cardiovascular disease), and serve as a marker for circadian rhythm integrity[1][3][7]. PER2 is not typically targeted directly by drugs but is essential for the proper function of organismal timekeeping, and modulation of upstream regulators or environmental cues (such as light) can impact its activity[3][1].

Other names

Period circadian protein homolog 2KIAA0347hPER2Circadian clock protein PERIOD 2FASPSFASPS1period circadian protein homolog 2circadian clock protein PERIOD 2period 2period circadian clock 2period circadian protein 2period homolog 2

Not applicable (no approved drugs act directly on PER2; indirect modulation occurs via upstream circadian pathway components such as kinase phosphorylation, light exposure, or hormonal modulation)